Knowing what you want to do with your career at any age isn’t just a simple decision, where you work and what you do shape so much of who we want to be and how we feel. At VIVID we encourage and provide opportunities for all, but especially young people who believe in our vision and want to make a difference with us. Nurturing and identifying shining stars that are passionate about our causes, and keen to share their voice to all who will listen.

Our very own Kate Ratcliffe, Social Value Analyst is the epitome of VIVID’s true values and beliefs, championing her own voice to tackle the continued issue of lack of affordable housing in a constant flux of a society and economy.

Her sheer drive and passion were recognised across the business, but particularly with her manager, Lisa Brenchley, Performance, and Insight Manager who nominated her for this year’s Housing’s Next Generation award.

Lisa said, “When I got an email through advertising HQN’s competition for under 30’s in housing I immediately thought of Kate. Since she joined our team, I’ve been so impressed with her attitude, knowledge, and enthusiasm for housing, so I knew I had to nominate her.”

The annual competition celebrates and highlights some of the brightest young talent in housing. The purpose of this competition is to give these young professionals from all aspects of housing a chance to share their voice, to stand up and be heard on their ideas and opinions of the housing sector. A chance to help shape the future of housing and hopefully influence where it might be going.

To be nominated is a privilege, to win is a definite reason to celebrate success. Kate has shone through each stage of the competition, from the original fifty nominated, down to the final five and becoming the overall winner. Each stage of the competition the nominees had to do a variety of challenges, from writing a blog addressing some of the sector’s big issues, to creating an idea for a TikTok video to inform the wider world about the vital role social housing plays in society.

Kate said, “I’m absolutely delighted to be this year’s winner. This competition provides a unique platform for young people to share their voice, meet like-minded people and push themselves out of their comfort zone. VIVID has given me great opportunities to learn, develop and lead on a variety of projects. I’m immensely proud of how far I’ve come since starting as a graduate at VIVID 5 years ago, and excited to continue to progress in the housing sector.”

In one of her final tasks, Kate was asked to film a short video outlining the key attributes required of ‘the next generation of housing leader’. Her focus was all about putting the customer first, that leaders need to be authentic, open, and transparent as an organisation. Inspiring staff and create loyalty for a positive culture across the business.

Mark Perry, Chief Executive, VIVID commented, “We’re delighted our approach to develop young talent within VIVID has been recognised by Kate winning the Housing’s Next Generation 2023 award. I’m delighted for her as she has all the attributes, hard work, attitude, ambition, and drive. I look forward to seeing her develop her career further”.