'Shock' and 'Gratitude' were expressed by the individuals who won EHA awards
12 February 2024
Fourteen Essex Awards 2023 winners were announced across twelve categories on 2 November 2023, at an evening ceremony held in association with Birketts. Four case studies have been created about the winner’s journey and thoughts. This is one of four.
Paul Gayler, Strategic Housing Services Manager at Chelmsford City Council winner of Housing & Development Professional of the Year sponsored by Kind & Company and The Mo Slade Rising Star Award sponsored by Anderson winners: Luke Rapley, Project Manager at Basildon Borough Council; Charlotte Wright, Housing and Community Strategy Officer at Epping Forest District Council; Faye Creasey, Project and Policy Support Officer, Housing Policy and Project Team Environment and Place at Southend-on-Sea City Council get together to chat about their wins.
Paul begins by saying the nomination was a “total surprise”.
He says:
“In such times it can be hard to keep going the extra mile to not only do the job but to make things easier for everyone, whether they are working in housing or relying on us to do our job. Recognition makes us feel appreciated and motivates us to keep going.”
“Life-changing, challenging, and dynamic” is how he describes the Essex Housing Industry. Paul says, “I would like to end my career knowing it’s better for those entering it and the communities they serve than it was when I started”.
He stresses his determination to support improvements in affordable housing in the area, believing that “learning from past experiences and having the confidence to speak up for those who are most vulnerable and at risk” is essential.
Faye keenly agrees as her upcoming plan for this year is to “try and tackle the key challenges facing the social housing sector” adding that the industry, in her perspective, is “dedicated, innovative and essential”.
Describing the award as meaningful Faye adds:
“It is more important than ever to recognise and celebrate the hard work of housing professionals that are trying to improve outcomes and deliver excellent services to those in housing need, despite the challenges faced
“The award is a sign that I am on the right path,” She expresses. “I feel motivated to continue to act as an advocate for the housing sector and try to make a difference, however big or small, in the lives of local residents.”
An alternative perspective on the award’s meaning comes from Luke’s personal insight into Mo Slade, the person who inspired the award.
“This award is a real honour especially as it is named after the late Mo Slade,” he begins.
“I had the privilege of working with Mo for a number of years, she was a true housing professional and an even better person, she always went out of her way to show an interest in me and my progression. I am lucky enough to work in the borough that I call home so being able to make a positive impact on the local area is very special and to receive the recognition for this means a lot.”
Luke describes the house industry as “passionate, complex and evolving”.
With many strong goals for his future personal development, like learning QS Technician to expand his knowledge, he acknowledges and credits his team as a support system for his development over the last eight years. He says, “Even though it is a personal award, the working environment within our team, knowledge sharing and investment into young people is a testament to the Development and Investment team.”
Having had a co-worker secretly nominate her, Charlotte agrees with Luke that her work environment and people around her pushed her along. She says, “I feel very grateful to work with such thoughtful people who never fail to celebrate others’ achievements”.
Her view of the industry as a whole is that it is, “collaborative, ambitious and dynamic.”
Charlotte is excited to celebrate love and growth in 2024 and aims to finish a Level 4 Certificate in Housing with the Chartered Institute for Housing (CIH).
“Definitely do it!” she says when asked about nominating someone in the future. “If you know someone who has the desire and potential to make a great contribution to the housing sector, let them know.”
Charlotte adds:
“It has given me a newfound sense of confidence and has pushed me to continue stepping out of my comfort zone to learn new things and will do the same for others.”
