Shapps: 'Young Leaders Award going from strength to strength'

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Campaign and also in Central Government, Housing, Local Government

Housing minister Grant Shapps has praised this year's Young Leaders winner Clair Ord, adding that the award, run by 24housing magazine, is "going from strength to strength".

Ms Ord, a customer insight manager at ALMO Dale and Valley Homes, was selected by an independent panel of experts to take home the 2011 award out of an initial pool of more than 50 candidates.

"Her record is impressive, having started in the housing sector as an apprentice and risen through the ranks to form a key part of the senior management team at Dale and Valley Homes," said Mr Shapps. "I wish her every success in this role, and as she continues to study for her Masters degree. I would also like to congratulate the other finalists for the Young Leaders Award."

Mr Shapps has pledged his support for next year's award too, which opened for nominations at the beginning of November.

The award is open to all housing organisations and requires them to initially submit candidates - aged 30 or under - who they feel have the potential to reach senior management posts.

"While a relatively new accolade, the award is going from strength to strength each year," added Mr Shapps.

Next year's winner will receive a short course in management, an iPad and a day shadowing National Housing Federation chief David Orr.

Mr Orr said: "This is a great opportunity to showcase the fantastic young talent working within the housing association sector. The Federation are delighted to support the competition and we would encourage our members to get involved and nominate their young stars."

Pat Ritchie, chief executive at the Homes and Communities Agency, has also pledged her support for the award.

She said: "Now more than ever there is a great need to identify and support rising talent. When paired with strong leadership, fresh ideas and enthusiasm can be a powerful mix, which is why an award scheme that encourages young leaders is of massive importance to the future of housing and regeneration. I look forward to seeing how the candidates develop over the course of the scheme.”

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