Thursday 24th January 2019

Supporting diversity: Firm backs Women in Social Housing (WISH) network


Women in Social Housing (WISH) is delighted to announce a number of new national sponsors working in the housing and construction sectors, who are helping to support its day-to-day activities.

Women in Social Housing (WISH) is delighted to announce a number of new national sponsors working in the housing and construction sectors, who are helping to support its day-to-day activities.

Leading infrastructure services, buildings and developments & housing group Kier, national law firm Capsticks, property development and investment company MHA London and housing specialist recruitment company Greenacre have agreed to sponsor WISH, the only membership-based network for women working across every discipline of UK housing.

“With 70% of our firm as female we have a strong focus on diversity throughout business, and we are delighted to support WISH’s vision of addressing gender equality across the social housing sector,” said Susie Rogers, partner at Capsticks. “In the current challenging climate for housing, having a more diverse workforce will bring new ideas and perspectives to help the sector succeed.’’

Hossein Abedinzadeh of MHA London said: “We are looking forward to growing our network within the property industry and are proud to support and raise awareness of WISH.”

David Mawson, executive director of specialist services at Kier, added: “As an industry, it is vital that we work together to create a workforce that is diverse. It brings with it so many benefits, from widening the talent pool to reflecting the residents that we serve.

“As a business, we have a number of internal and external initiatives in place to support our commitment to creating a balanced business. We are proud to be sponsoring the Women in Social Housing network which is supporting women as they enter our industry and proactively showcasing the career opportunities and various routes to entry as it looks to inspire more people to consider a role within the built environment.”

Greenacre Recruitment, which has specialised in recruitment within the housing sector for more than a decade, will support the organisation’s networks in the London and Midlands regions.

Daniel Short of Greenacre Recruitment said: “Greenacre Recruitment is delighted to support WISH in expanding opportunities for women along their career pathways by helping to create a level platform and accessible routes where diversity and equality are paramount.

“We are committed to helping women identify career opportunities through the WISH Jobs Boards and are keen to encourage women to apply for non-executive roles.

“There is way too much talent out there to go to waste and we believe in creating the structures, routes and support to help our female candidates not just succeed but excel at what they do best.”

WISH undertakes crucial work in challenging stereotypes and helping to remove barriers for women working in these industries. It assists women in both the public and the private sectors.

It takes its work into schools to support young women to consider careers in housing, as well as assisting women already working in the sector to progress and develop.

The new sponsorships will be a key factor in helping WISH build a sustainable future, supporting new regions and delivering quality events and services for its members across the UK. The organisation will also work with its sponsors to continue to attract more women into roles within the sector.

Katie McDonald, Finance and Membership Manager of WISH commented: “We are thrilled that these high-profile organisations have agreed to sponsor us.  Sponsorship of this nature enables us to promote the aims, objectives and the many strengths of WISH to a wider audience.

“This sponsorship will help us in our mission to address gender equality across the sector. It will enable us to support more young women thinking about housing or construction as a career and help us offer support through our mentoring programme.”

WISH runs its support network through eight regional groups across the UK. Members can meet like-minded women and enjoy inspiring events in a relaxed and fun environment.

If you would like to join the network or feel that your company could benefit by sponsoring and working with WISH, please contact Katie at [email protected]

WISH has a number of sponsorships and partnerships with like-minded organisations and suppliers to benefit its members.

Its current sponsors are:

  • JLL
  • PRP
  • Calfordseaden
  • BRC Recruitment Consultants

Current partners, who are working in conjunction with WISH to promote its services and help women in the sector, are:

  • Hough Bellis Communications
  • Campbell Tickell 
  • Resource (creative services partner)
  • Connectin (events partner)
  • 24housing (media partner)

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