Winners announced at the G15 Ethnicity in Housing Awards 2025

This special event is a celebration of excellence, leadership, and the power of representation in the housing sector. It brings people together to recognise Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic colleagues and honours their outstanding talent, contributions and initiatives that drive progress toward a more inclusive, and equitable future. It also celebrates the achievements of our newest G15 Accelerate graduates who gained Level 5 and Level 7 Chartered Management Institute qualifications.

We had the pleasure of welcoming Dr Leroy Logan MBE as our keynote speaker and Master of Ceremonies. Dr Logan is a trailblazer and unwavering voice for change. He is a former superintendent for the Metropolitan Police, a founding member and chair of the Black Police Association, and a passionate advocate for equity and justice. We were also very pleased to welcome writer and activist, Shareefa Energy, who shared her poetry with us to commemorate the occasion. 

This event was sponsored by the Pinnacle Group, Morgan Sindall & R. Benson Property Maintenance Limited, and Hyperion Partners & United Living. 

Colleagues across G15 were invited to make nominations for a range of awards. A huge congratulations to our winners who were announced as follows!

Winner of the Colleague Resident Focus Award: Ferdous Khanam from L&Q

This award honours a colleague from an ethnic minority background who has made a noteworthy impact on residents, or as part of a broader initiative aimed at fostering positive change.

Winner of the Supportive Colleague Award: Marcia Gay from Peabody (collected by a colleague!) and highly commended awarded to Cassie Clarke from Sovereign Network Group 

This award award recognises an ethnic minority colleague who is highly valued by their colleagues for the work they do on racial equality matters

Winner of the One to Watch – Future Leaders Award: Nivia Lawrence from The Hyde Group and highly commended awarded to Keji Imafidon from Peabody 

This award recognises an individual who demonstrates potential and leadership skills, making great strides in their development and career.

Winner of the Inspirational Leader Award: Sharon Goddard from Peabody

This award is for an influencer and role model that takes the time to nurture the talent and skills of others.

Winner of the Ethnicity Ally Award: Tom Grundy from The Hyde Group and highly commended awarded to Jen Chuaiprasit from Peabody 

This award is for a colleague who consistently champions, and challenges non inclusive behaviours.

Winner of the Resident or Community Group of the Year Award: Think Outside the Blox at the Guinness Partnership and highly commended awarded to Mama’s Kitchen, MTVH

This award honours a group of residents or a community-focused organisation that has made a meaningful impact by improving inclusivity within a neighbourhood or community.

Winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award: Sharon Barbour from Peabody and highly commended awarded to Baya Belabbas at Clarion Housing   

This award will be given to an Ethnic minority colleague who has championed the need for greater inclusion. 

Winner of the Resident Award: Hawa Abdi from Notting Hill Genesis 

This award recognises an Ethnic minority resident who lives in a G15 organisation property that has contributed to driving change in the community.    

Winner of the Race Network Group Colleague Award: RISE at MTVH and highly commended awarded to Embrace, The Hyde Group

This award acknowledges a colleague-led network group that has significantly contributed to the past 12 months.

Winner of the UNIFY Special Recognition award: Vipul Thacker from Notting Hill Genesis.

This award recognises individuals and organisations that demonstrate leadership and commitment to achieving positive change in promoting diversity and inclusion within the housing sector. 

Photography credits to: Alan J McFarlane Photography

Congratulations to our G15 Accelerate graduates who gained their Level 5 and 7 CMI qualifications: 

Level 5: Sonal Amin- Smith, Imran Mustak, Said Karimi, Vratika Jain, Paul Sibanda, Ann Samarakone, Deon Terrelonge, Rashida Kutubu, Kara Newell, Bridget Ndukwe, Kofi Sampaney, Edward Shoderu, Deborah Ezeogu, Parveen Agnihotri, Anton Henry, Rochelle Baker, Georgina Delanbanque, Arnold Smith, Ledonson Lewis, Ame Esezobor, Shelia Kaijuka, Babasola Osonowo, Tendai Matore, Michael Haile and Bukky Awokoya. 

Level 7: Pavan Bali, Patrick Arthur, Kutub  Dorasat, Kamayani Jagota, Goher Mohamad, Leila Musa, Hannah Nana, Nirav Subhashchandra Shah, and Natalie Stump

Ian McDermott, Chief Executive of Peabody and Chair of the G15 said:

“In housing, we know the importance of representation. We see the impact first-hand when it’s missing — on trust, on opportunity, and on fairness. It reminds us all that creating fairer systems and stronger communities begins with inclusion at every level. There’s still more to do. But today shows us that change is not only possible — it’s already happening. To our winners and nominees - thank you for pushing boundaries, for being visible, and for creating space for others to thrive - your work matters deeply and we are all better for it.

Andy Hulme, Chief Executive of The Hyde Group and Equality and Diversity Lead for the G15 said:

“I want to say a huge congratulations to all those colleagues who were nominated, shortlisted and won these important awards. It’s a humbling experience when we review the nominations, and it really brings home the amazing work that our colleagues are doing and the barriers they’re helping us to collectively overcome. The awards shine a light on the importance and strength that the diversity of our teams and the communities we serve brings, but also the journey we’re still on to make further progress.”