Teams, individuals and organisations making a difference across the housing sector have been recognised at the 2026 Kent Housing Group Excellence Awards.
The annual awards took place at the Glass Box Theatre, MidKent College in Gillingham, on Monday 21 September, bringing Kent Housing Group members together to celebrate the exceptional work being delivered across Kent and Medway.
Hosted by KHG Co-chair Becs Wilcox, the event provided an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day challenges facing the housing sector and recognise the people, projects and partnerships making a genuine difference in communities across the region.
As well as celebrating some truly inspiring achievements, guests enjoyed a lovely lunch and some particularly delicious cake before the winners and highly commended entries were announced.
The awards recognised outstanding work across the sector, from innovative approaches to tackling housing challenges and supporting vulnerable residents to inspiring examples of community engagement, regeneration and partnership working.
This year, 14 winners and 13 highly commended entries, an honorary mention and a special KHG Chair’s award were all recognised, highlighting the commitment, creativity and expertise found across the region’s housing sector.
Becs Wilcox said of the event: “One of the things I love about these awards is hearing the stories behind the nominations and seeing just how much great work is happening across Kent and Medway. Despite the challenges our sector continues to face, our members show such dedication, creativity and determination to make a difference.
“It was a real pleasure to celebrate those achievements together. Congratulations to everyone recognised this year and thank you for everything you do for our communities.”
A special moment during the ceremony saw Ashford Borough Council Chief Executive Tracey Kerly present the KHG Chair’s Award to Tim Woolmer from Kent County Council, recognising his contribution to housing across Kent and Medway.
Photos from the ceremony can be seen here: KHG Excellence Awards 2026 – Kent Housing Group
Category winners and highly commended
Asset Management
Winner: Barb Wilkins from Folkestone and Hythe District Council
Highly commended: Damp, Condensation and Mould Team from Golding Homes, and Kerry Elliman from West Kent Housing Association.
Associate Professional
Winner: Jo Stocks from Ashford Borough Council
Highly commended: Ellie Millard and the Resettlement Team from Ashford Borough Council.
Community Project
Winner: Old Schools Lodge Community Garden from Porchlight
Highly commended: Community Capacity Building Training from Town and Country Housing and Social Enterprise Kent.
Delivering Services for Vulnerable People
Winner: Dartford Health Hub from Porchlight
Highly commended: Francis Casey from Thanet District Council.
Development and Regeneration
Winner: Phase 4 Affordable Homes New-Build Programme from Thanet District Council
Highly commended: 31a St Peter’s Place from Canterbury City Council, and Hallwood House from mhs homes.
Housing Professional
Winner: Rebecca Bourke from Moat
Highly commended: Sylvia Roberts from Ashford Borough Council, and Simone Bennett-Crump from Porchlight.
Innovation
Winner: Elizabeth Mitchell from Ashford Borough Council
Highly commended: Geoff Dunstall from Swale Borough Council
Honorary mention: Home Energy and Water Advice Service from Golding Homes.
Partnership
Winner: Grounds Maintenance Resident Inspector Project from West Kent Housing Association
Highly commended: Ringside Revival, a community fightback partnership between Golding Homes and Skillcrown.
Private Sector
Winner: Landlord Team from Swale Borough Council
Highly commended: Lothifa Begum from Dartford Borough Council.
Team of the Year
Joint winners: Thanet Housing Options Team from Thanet District Council, and Housing Options and Allocations Service from Ashford Borough Council.
Unsung Community Hero
Winner: Mike Francis from Canterbury City Council’s Resident Engagement Panel.
Young Professional
Winner: Kacey Byard from Town and Country Housing
Highly commended: Lottie Rooke-James from Ashford Borough Council.
KHG Chair’s Award
Winner: Tim Woolmer from Kent County Council.
Congratulations to all the winners, highly commended entries and everyone nominated for this year’s awards.
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