Series 4 Launch of ‘If I Had One WISH’ Podcast

From inclusive design to gendered data, workplace wellbeing to homelessness, this season dives deep into the stories, struggles, and hopes of sector changemakers.

Hosted by Crystal Hicks and Jayne Entwistle, each episode is a call to reimagine housing through a lens of equity, dignity, and belonging.

In the first episode, WISH Managing Director Jayne Entwistle interviews Crystal Hicks, WISH president, about her career journey in the housing sector, her role as president, and the impactful See Her campaign.

Crystal shares insights on balancing work and family life, the importance of community support, and advice for the next generation. She emphasises the need for the housing sector to rediscover its purpose and the significance of women's equality in the industry.

In episode 2, host Crystal speaks with Hannah Underwood, founder of How Might We and vice chair of the Virgin Money Foundation.

Here they discuss the importance of applying a gendered lens to data in social housing, the need for curiosity in decision-making, and the role of community engagement in understanding tenant satisfaction. Hannah also shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities within the housing sector, with a focus on the need for better data practices and collaboration to improve outcomes for women and marginalised groups.

Episode 3 explores safety, history, and housing with Tracey Downie, CEO of Women's Pioneer Housing. In this episode, they discuss the historical context and mission of Women's Pioneer Housing, and the importance of a gendered approach in housing design and policies.

Tracy also shares insights on the challenges faced by women in the housing sector, the significance of women's voices in shaping policies, and the need for organisations to address women's health and wellbeing in the workplace. The episode culminates in a wish for a more gender-focused lens in housing development to enhance safety for women and the community at large.

In episode 4 of the podcast, Crystal, along with Jen Radcliffe, Head of Partnerships for PFP Thrive, engage with Laura Wood, founder of Invisible Creations.

Here they discuss the importance of inclusive design in housing, whilst Laura shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind her work, emphasising the need for dignity and safety in home adaptations.

The conversation explores gender perspectives in housing design, the blind spots in traditional approaches, and the impact of proactive design on women's lives. Laura advocates for a shift in the housing sector towards mainstreaming accessibility and inclusive design as standard practice.

And our final episode of the series sees Crystal interviewing Polly Neate, former chief executive of Shelter, about the complexities of homelessness, particularly as it affects women. They discuss the challenges women face in homelessness, the importance of language in addressing these issues, and the need for a shift in public perception.

Polly also shares insights on the role of social housing and the progress made in the sector, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges and the need for data-driven solutions to better understand and meet the needs of women in housing.

You can listen to each episode on the following platforms:

Spotify

Apple 

Amazon 

RSS 

So, if you had One WISH for the housing sector….what would it be?