Northamptonshire's Greatwell Homes recognised as one of the housing sector’s top employers
Northamptonshire-based Greatwell Homes has been recognised as one of the housing sector’s top employers, earning a place in the first-ever Housing Today Good Employer Guide 2026.
The new national guide highlights 27 housing associations that demonstrate excellence in workplace culture, well-being, staff development, diversity, inclusion and employment practice.
Collectively, the selected organisations employ more than 37,000 people and manage nearly 840,000 homes.
To be included, providers completed a detailed assessment covering topics such as staff benefits, training, flexible working, wellbeing strategies and equality, diversity and inclusion.
The guide aims to showcase best practice and inspire continuous improvement across the sector.
Greatwell Homes, which manages around 5,500 homes across north Northamptonshire, was recognised for its strong commitment to employee well-being, flexible working, and investment in staff development – offering 30 days’ annual leave, hybrid working opportunities and an average of 30 hours of training per employee each year.
Jo Savage, chief executive of Greatwell Homes, said: “Being named one of just 27 housing associations in the country to feature in the Good Employer Guide is something we are incredibly proud of.
"This recognition highlights our Live Happy strategy and our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive and engaging workplace where our colleagues can thrive.
“At Greatwell Homes, we know that when our people feel valued and supported, they can give their best to our customers and communities.
"This achievement reinforces that the work we’re doing to invest in our culture, well-being and development is making a real difference.
"It also helps us attract people who share our values and want to build a meaningful career in social housing.
“Most importantly, it’s a testament to the dedication, passion and professionalism our colleagues show every day.”
The Good Employer Guide highlights a wide range of good practice across the sector, including flexible working approaches adopted by 70 per cent of participating organisations and strong emphasis on well-being – 89 per cent of providers have dedicated wellbeing strategies covering psychological support, mental health resources and resilience programmes.
Greatwell Homes’ own approach centres on:
- Flexible and hybrid working to support work–life balance
- Comprehensive well-being initiatives
- Clear commitment to inclusion, with more than 40 per cent of its workforce being women and representation of ethnic-minority and disabled colleagues
- Structured learning and development pathways, including leadership development
- Support for entry-level schemes, helping local people begin careers in housing
Mike Kay, chairman of the board at Greatwell Homes, said: “This recognition affirms the importance we place on being a responsible and people-focused employer.
"Our board has always believed that strong governance and a positive organisational culture go hand-in-hand.
"The Good Employer Guide highlights that Greatwell Homes is continuing to build a workplace where colleagues feel empowered, supported and motivated to deliver excellent services to our communities.”
Greatwell Homes is one of the largest housing associations in Northamptonshire, owning and managing around 5,500 homes in Wellingborough, Kettering, Raunds and Northampton.