The winner of the 2026 CIH Cymru Rising Star award answers WHQ’s questions.
How did you get into housing (and your current role)?
Like most people, I sort of fell into the sector. I always wanted to help people but lacked the stomach for medicine or the calling for teaching. I worked in social value roles, championing community benefits, before finding my way to Tai Tarian. Housing was never presented as a career option for me, but it has finally allowed me to deliver on that early childhood hope of making a real impact. I started in a maternity cover role in the Customer and Community team, but when my current position was advertised a few weeks later, encouragement from my brother-in-law helped me take the leap. It’s the best career decision I’ve ever made.
Tell us a bit about your role and why you love it.
As Tenant Engagement Officer, I ensure tenant voices are acted upon at every level of the organisation. My role was created in 2024 to strengthen that voice, moving us from a single panel to a framework built on three pillars: Inform, Involve, and Influence. It allows flexibility for tenants to engage in ways that work for them. My job is to ensure the business uses this framework – whether consulting on complaints or solar panel installations. I tell colleagues that engagement isn’t scary; it starts with a simple conversation. The most rewarding part is seeing the transformation in tenants: people who felt isolated finding their voice and confidence.
What are your career ambitions?
My ambition is to keep making a difference to tenants. I don’t know if I’ll aim for a Director or Chief Executive role, as I’ve only been in the sector two years, but I certainly want to progress into management to help drive the change I want to see. I’ve built a foundation of trust with our tenants, and a senior role would allow me to shape how that improves our organisation. Housing is an incredibly supportive sector with no shortage of opportunities and I’m looking forward to discovering everything that is has to offer!
What achievements are you most proud of?
Winning the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru Rising Star Award is my proudest achievement, especially since it was a nomination from my colleagues. I am also incredibly proud of our new tenant engagement framework. It launched recently, but the uptake across the business is fantastic. I’m also proud of the Swansea University research project on new housing standards; seeing a tenant advocate for solar panels after understanding the complexities behind the scenes was a major highlight. But ultimately, it’s seeing the personal growth in the tenants I work with – watching strangers become friends – that I find most rewarding.
What are the main challenges of the sector?
Uncertainty. With a minority government in Wales, there is an implementation gap between legislators and operators. We need a cohesive, long-term approach to funding and housing supply. We face a massive housing crisis – thousands are on waiting lists – and we cannot just build our way out of it. We must ensure new developments provide access to resources and transport. Decarbonisation is also critical, but it must be done with tenants, not to them. If we ignore tenant voices, we risk deepening mistrust.
What’s one thing in housing in Wales would you like to change?
Wales needs a single, clear, coherent strategic vision for housing that encapsulates all of it. Aneurin Bevan’s vision of quality housing integrated into mixed-income communities is as relevant today as it was in 1945. If we want to tackle the stigma of social housing, we must return to the idea that homes should be for everyone. We need to define success not just by the number of homes built, but by the impact those homes have on generations.
What are your hopes and fears?
My hope is that politicians have the courage to treat housing as a fundamental priority, rather than a small percentage of government spend. We need to end homelessness and stop the “that will do” mentality regarding social housing. My fear is that without genuine, systemic change and a commitment to tackling stigma, the situation will worsen. We need to work with tenants to champion their skills and compassion.
What does winning the Rising Star award mean to you?
It’s a huge honour. Presenting at TAI2026 allowed me to share my grandparents’ story, which resonated with many delegates. It proved how important a home is – a foundation that changed the trajectory of their lives. I am grateful to my colleagues for their support and to be recognised by peers as someone making a contribution. I hope to live up to the expectations this award sets and become a trusted advocate for tenants in Wales.
Katie John is Tenant Engagement Office at Tai Tarian.