On Friday 16 October, the G15, in collaboration with UNIFY, hosted its fifth annual Ethnicity in Housing Awards at County Hall, London.

The event celebrated excellence, leadership and representation across the social housing sector, recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions of people from ethnic minority backgrounds. It also highlighted the important work being done to promote greater equality, diversity and inclusion across our organisations and communities.

We were delighted to welcome Peter Baffoe, Vice-Chair of Peabody, as our Master of Ceremonies, alongside keynote speaker Hony Premlal.

In her speech, Beyond Barriers, Hony shared her inspiring journey from emigrating from India to the UK and becoming a CEO and Chair. She spoke about the importance of representation, recognising overlooked talent and creating opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds. Her message encouraged everyone to play their part in breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive housing sector.

This year’s entertainment also showcased the talent and cultural diversity within London’s housing communities, reflecting the Black History Month theme, Honouring Our Communities. We were delighted to welcome:

  • The Strictly Roots and Revival Voices Choir, a community choir celebrating the rich musical heritage of the African diaspora. Its early development was supported by a grant from the Peabody Foundation Kerslake Award.
  • The UK Latin Dance Community Dance Group, a non-profit organisation working in partnership with the Peabody Community Foundation to bring people together through cultural activities.
  • The Simply Unique Steel Band Duo, who entertained guests with a lively mix of music celebrating Caribbean culture.

Colleagues from across the G15 were invited to nominate individuals, residents and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to their organisations and communities.

A huge congratulations to all our nominees, highly commended individuals and winners as follows:

Colleague Resident Focus Award

This award was presented in recognition of a colleague who has gone above and beyond to support residents, improve their wellbeing and make a positive difference in their community.

Winner: Jennifer Murphy, Hyde

Highly commended: Rhonder Browne, Notting Hill Genesis

The nominees were:

  • Rehana Khan, A2Dominion
  • Katiya Nunes, Clarion
  • Olivia Finch Ross, Guinness
  • Mitchel Sutherland, L&Q
  • Maxine Gordon, MTVH
  • Abena Berkoh, Peabody
  • Steven McIntosh, Riverside
  • Kirti Karsan, SNG
  • Abdelkader Salem, Southern Housing

Outstanding Achievement Award

This award was presented in recognition of an exceptional contribution to promoting racial equality and inclusion through leadership, dedication and positive change.

Winner: Sukhwant Sandher, Peabody

The nominees were:

  • Marisa Fletcher Patrick, A2Dominion
  • Melanie Bradley, Clarion
  • Lauryn Baird, Guinness
  • Vennessa Denny, Hyde
  • Pa Manneh & Kieran King, MTVH
  • Orina Hall, Riverside
  • Cameron Anterkyi, SNG
  • Anill Babwash, Southern Housing

Supportive Colleague Award

This award was presented in recognition of a colleague who consistently supports, encourages and mentors others, helping to create a more inclusive and positive workplace.

Winner: Vanessa Hewitt, Sovereign Network Group

Highly commended: Kseniia Anikanova, Clarion

The nominees were:

  • Annalisa Langton, Guinness
  • Vennessa Denny, Hyde
  • Sharena Blake, L&Q
  • Leslie Gwashavanhu, MTVH
  • Halina Sabur, Peabody
  • Arlene Osman-Grimes, Riverside
  • Aure Muteteli, Southern Housing

One to Watch – Future Leaders Award

This award was presented in recognition of colleagues who have demonstrated strong leadership potential, initiative and a commitment to personal and professional development.

Joint winners:

  • Helen Sewell, MTVH
  • Leon Graham, A2Dominion

The nominees were:

  • Carly Woodbridge, Clarion
  • Anton Smith, Guinness
  • Flora Adekola, Hyde
  • Morris Williams, L&Q
  • Coretta Scott, NHG
  • Jenny Gitau, Peabody
  • Afusat Oluokun, Riverside
  • Tabs Yirmenji, SNG
  • Maeva Jacques, Southern Housing

Ethnicity Ally Award

This award was presented in recognition of a colleague who actively champions racial equality, challenges discrimination and helps create a more inclusive workplace.

Winner: Anita Hepplewhite, Sovereign Network Group

The nominees were:

  • Priya Javeri, A2Dominion
  • Sharon Pearce, Hyde
  • Josh Hyland, L&Q
  • Saqib Mahmood, NHG
  • Irena Bennett, Peabody
  • Maxine Cousens, Riverside
  • Lynn Bates, Southern Housing

Inspirational Leader Award

This award was presented in recognition of colleagues who inspire and motivate others, lead by example and support the development of others while championing equality and inclusion.

Joint winners:

  • Zafrin Khan-Wheatley, L&Q
  • Troy Francis, Southern Housing

The nominees were:

  • Shajaat Hussain, A2Dominion
  • Stella Osibona, Clarion
  • Anjali Manoj Kumar, Hyde
  • Chyrel Brown, MTVH
  • Troy Husbands, NHG
  • Peter Baffoe, Peabody
  • Mica Joseph, Riverside
  • Nadia Opoku-Addo, SNG

Colleague Race Network Group Award

This award was presented in recognition of a staff-led network group that has advanced racial equality, celebrated cultural diversity and created positive change within their organisation or wider community.

Winner: EMPOWER, Riverside

The nominees were:

  • Embrace, Hyde
  • Kaleidoscope, L&Q
  • RiSE, MTVH
  • Peabody Race Equity Network, Peabody
  • FRESH, SNG

Resident Award

This award was presented in recognition of a resident who has actively supported their community, represented the voices of other residents and helped bring about positive change.

Winner: Gossica Anichebe, Peabody

The nominees were:

  • Hardeesh Kaur, A2Dominion
  • Mojisola Maphalala, Guinness
  • Annick Robson, L&Q
  • Kristina Chedzey, MTVH
  • Hafsa Muhammad, NHG
  • Michael Edatanlen, Riverside
  • Princess Fortes, SNG
  • Miranda Josiah, Southern Housing

Resident or Community Group of the Year

This award was presented in recognition of a resident group or community organisation that has brought people together, supported ethnic minority communities and made a positive difference in their local neighbourhood.

Winner: The Kids Network, The Guinness Partnership

The nominees were:

  • West Indian Social Club, Clarion
  • Boxers Fitness Academy, Hyde
  • United Anglo Caribbean Society, L&Q
  • Our Local Social, MTVH
  • Colindale Communities Trust (CCT), NHG
  • Kundakala, Art Empowering Women, Peabody
  • Beat The Black, Breakthrough Project, SNG

UNIFY Special Recognition Award

This award was presented in recognition of an individual’s valued contribution to UNIFY and its work to promote ethnic diversity and inclusion.

Winner: Sarah Wallis, MTVH

With special recognition to:

  • Sahil Khan, Peabody
  • Maxine Cousens, Riverside
  • Natalie Quilter, Hyde
  • Shaun Kennedy, Peabody

CEO’s Choice Award

New for this year, this award was presented in recognition of an outstanding contribution, selected for special acknowledgement by the CEOs of each G15 member organisation.

Winner: The Kids Network, The Guinness Partnership

Congratulations once again to all our winners, highly commended individuals and nominees for their outstanding achievements and continued commitment to making a positive difference across the housing sector and our communities.