WISH Spring Newsletter 2026

As I start to pen this welcome note from the comfort and safety of my home office (aka the 'box' room), I've just been gazing across the way, quietly observing two families taking the keys for their newly built town houses. 

I paused to reflect on each member of the site staff who work tirelessly and often out of sight over the winter carrying out their day to day trades in all weathers, to ensure those homes are ready for handover on time. Spring is definitely in the air, with warmer weather ahead, and no doubt welcomed by our colleagues who spend most of their working hours outdoors. 

The WISH calendar for 2026 has got off to a flying start, not least with all the wonderful International Women's Day celebrations, and I'm grateful it has given me the opportunity already to step out of the house and connect with our fabulous network. I've been delighted to have had the chance to attend two incredible regional events so far, and I'd like to share with you a little more on those...

First stop, Brixton, London, for Inclusive Futures, where I had the pleasure of joining colleagues across leading partner organisations to collaborate on improving future practice - underpinning all aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion, and having honest conversations around what's working well and why - and more importantly where we need to improve as leaders, role models and trusted partners within the sector.

I can genuinely say that I can't recall a conference or similar event where an audience was so engaged and committed to the agenda. There were panel discussions across the whole afternoon, and the conversations and energy continued well into the evening and beyond.

One of the key takeaways for me and a topic that really resonated was the number of expert panellists who talked openly about the difference having a role model and mentor has made to them throughout their careers as mentees, and the value they continue to gain when they give back, providing mentoring support to other colleagues.

And the power of 'reverse mentoring' was also showcased at various points in respect of intergenerational diversity and inclusion - On that topic, we'll soon be launching our third successful year of the WISH Mentoring Programme! We've had some wonderful feedback from last year's participants, and spaces are limited, so if you'd like to take part this year, get in touch to get involved, either as a mentor or mentee.

Another continous theme I've been hearing is the outstanding value of leadership coaching, including our regular WISH Training and Coaching Sessions with Hayley Gillard and Gemma Brown, which run throughout the year, and are part of our exclusive member benefits.

In light of their poularity and high demand, we are delighted to be collaborating with Hayley and Gemma on two additional exclusive discounted offers for WISH members this year - Manager School Online, an incredibly popular Level 5 ILM-accredited leadership development programme with Hayley Gillard, for organisations who want to cultivate confident, high-performing teams - and for individuals, a special discount for 1-2-1 coaching sessions with Gemma Brown.

Next stop for me was Bristol, to be with our WISH South West team as they delivered their IWD 2026 celebratory event which was kindly hosted by Clarke Willmott and generously sponsored by TristoneNash - a huge note of thanks to both organisations.

An afternoon and evening well spent, with a room full of like-minded individuals, and who all took the time for inner reflection and penned a letter of advice they would give to their younger selves, with Dahlia at Bristol Women's Voice holding a comfortable space to do so. 

And I'd like to extend a big thank you to all who completed the WISH Annual Survey. This industry report is a vital tool and a driver for authentic change across a sector that still has some strides to make in bridging the gender gap. Although this year’s results suggest some positive changes in attitudes, there is still clearly a way to go before women have access to the same levels of opportunities as our male counterparts.

Without your time, energy and feedback, the female leaders of tomorrow would have an even more difficult path to climb, and we are truly grateful for your valuable input.

Whilst there's so much to celebrate and champion across the social housing sector, it's clear to see and hear that it continues to be a demanding period as we wrap up, for many, the end of another financial year - with all the additions, tasks and pressures that brings - and in tandem, a sea of changes to embed new legislative requirements and continuous improvements to our ways of working.

It's a timely reminder that in order to be able to provide the high standard of service our customers and clients deserve, we can only continue to deliver if we keep a strong focus on our own health and well-being.

It's been great to see an abundance of social media activity across LinkedIn and other channels which drive home the message that burnout shouldn't be a badge of honour. With that in mind, should we start to think a little differently about how we manage our Work-Life Balance? Or should we be reframing that as having a Life-Work Balance? Worth thinking about...As the adage goes, we need to put on our own oxygen mask on first before we can help those around us.

Finally, for those of you taking some time away from work over the Easter Holidays, have a wonderful break. And for those of you who are working over the long weekend - a big thank you. 

Enjoy reading over a cuppa (and eating chocolate for those indulging!) 

Jayne