At Niyaa People, we work with housing professionals across the Midlands every day. We see the pressure, the complexity and the people who make it work.

That’s why we launched the People in Housing Awards, the Midlands’ first dedicated awards focused solely on recognising the individuals, teams and organisations who keep housing moving across our region.

And now, there are only a few days left to enter.

So, why did we create the People in Housing Awards?

Through our work as recruitment partners to the UK’s social housing sector, we saw a clear gap. Other regions have long-standing awards recognising housing professionals. The Midlands didn’t.

Rather than waiting for someone else to do it, we created something ourselves, something that reflects this region’s grit, graft and determination. Because housing isn’t just policy and process. It’s housing officers resolving complex cases. Repairs teams responding under pressure. Asset managers improving homes. Contractors delivering meaningful change. Leaders backing their teams.

These awards exist to ensure that work across the Midlands is seen, recognised and properly celebrated.

Event details.

📅 Thursday 19 March 2026

📍 Library of Birmingham

The evening will bring together housing associations, local authorities, contractors and sector partners from across the Midlands for a formal awards ceremony and celebration.

The event will include:

• A drinks reception
• A seated awards presentation
• Ten award categories
• Networking with sector leaders
• A celebration of finalists and winners

It is designed to be professional, celebratory and sector-focused, a night where housing professionals can step away from the day-to-day and be recognised for the impact they make.

What we’re recognising.

The ten categories reflect the real priorities and challenges facing social housing today, including:

• Customer experience
• Repairs and maintenance
• Damp and mould
• Sustainability
• Skills and development
• Partnerships
• Community impact

Winners will be selected by an independent judging panel made up of respected leaders from across housing and operations, including former Housing Minister Eddie Hughes.

The judging panel also includes:

• Gemma Brookes, Head of Asset Optimisation, Orbit Group
• Matt Johnson, Group CEO, Commercial Services Group
• Gemma Watkins, Director of Operations, Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association
• Emma Richman, Assistant Director of Assets at Altair Ltd
• Richard Clark, Head of Housing & Neighbourhoods, Bournville Village Trust

Our sponsors.

We are proud to deliver the People in Housing Awards alongside organisations that share our commitment to strengthening homes and communities.

CHIC

CHIC is a collaborative, not-for-profit, member-owned and governed consortium delivering compliant procurement solutions and commercial support to its members in partnership with the supply chain.

Their vision is to improve homes and communities by delivering savings, driving sustainability, embracing new technology and creating added social value.

“We’re proud to sponsor the People in Housing Awards, recognising the exceptional individuals and teams whose commitment drives progress and delivers real value to residents across the Midlands’ housing sector.”

RE:GEN Group

RE:GEN Group is a purpose-driven delivery partner in social housing regeneration, specialising in capital investment works, decarbonisation programmes and new-build housing solutions across the UK.

“We are proud to sponsor the People in Housing Awards. These awards align strongly with our values of putting people first and celebrating those who make a real difference to homes, communities and lives.”

Meet our host.

We are incredibly proud to announce PJ Ellis as the host of the People in Housing Awards.

A Birmingham-based entrepreneur, presenter and philanthropist, PJ’s commitment to uplifting communities across the Midlands makes him the perfect person to celebrate the achievements of our sector.

Not for profit.

The People in Housing Awards are not-for-profit, with all surplus funds donated to Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital Charity.

If your team is delivering impact across housing in the Midlands, this is your opportunity to be recognised.

Find out more and enter: https://peopleinhousing.co.uk