Let’s take this opportunity to improve our sector for young staff

According to the London Homes Coalition’s Building Skills for the Future report, housing associations face a shortfall of 2,600 jobs to deliver the homes needed in the capital. To meet this challenge, the government must view investing in the sector as a means to deliver more apprenticeships and entry-level positions that also deliver social value.

Fundamentally, a more certain operating environment is essential for housing providers to move beyond just day-to-day services. Over the past decade, the sector has experienced funding cuts, rent caps and short-term initiatives. With more stability, organisations can have more head space to innovate, adopt new approaches to service delivery and solve the complex issues the sector faces.

This stability and focus allow for greater inclusion of new voices and perspectives, particularly from younger individuals, who can bring fresh ideas and energy to the sector.

To sustain growth and tackle the housing crisis effectively, a comprehensive and collaborative workforce strategy is necessary. This strategy should focus on long-term investment in skills and expertise to deliver housing outcomes. Reports such as CIH Scotland’s Careers in housing management have highlighted the lack of workforce strategy for a critical area of the housing sector, as well as the pressing need to attract younger workers.

A government-backed initiative to upskill the workforce would ensure that the sector remains resilient and capable of meeting future demands. This involves not just training, but also fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

Attracting the next generation of housing professionals requires more than just stable careers and income; it demands inspiration. Government-led policy action on critical issues such as homelessness, the housing crisis and child poverty can serve as powerful motivators.

“For the new government to truly support young housing workers, it must adopt a multi-faceted approach that combines growth with stability and innovation with inspiration”

By promoting careers in housing as drivers of social justice, the sector can attract passionate and motivated individuals. However, this must be prioritised at a government level to receive the attention necessary for it to be promoted throughout the country.

Clear and impactful policy initiatives that address these issues will not only provide immediate change for those they affect, but also set a long-term vision that young workers can believe in and work towards.

The rise in the number of people living in the private rented sector, many of whom are likely to be young people entering the housing workforce, calls for urgent reform. As Alison Inman, the former president of the Chartered Institute of Housing who has been appointed chair of tenant engagement organisation Tpas, said in Inside Housing earlier this year, “An increasing proportion of housing professionals are among those who are badly housed”.

Scrapping Section 21 notices and enacting broader reforms in the private rented sector will provide greater housing security for renters. By ensuring that they have secure homes, the government can help young workers remain dedicated and productive in their roles in the housing sector.

For the new government to truly support young housing workers, it must adopt a multi-faceted approach that combines growth with stability and innovation with inspiration. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a sector fit for the future that delivers homes and communities that are affordable and high quality.

This will address the immediate housing crisis, prevent more from occurring and create a future in which the sector can thrive.

Halisha Kaur, chair, CIH Futures and one of Inside Housing’s 40 under 40