12 Mar 2025
Choose Housing: A career that changes lives
In this blog David Kingsley reflects on his own journey into housing, and takes up the call by CIH president Elly Hoult, to ensure everyone advocates for housing to be a career of choice.
Housing is more than bricks and mortar - it's the foundation of security, opportunity, and wellbeing. My own journey was shaped by seeing firsthand how housing insecurity affects mental health and job stability, reinforcing my commitment to advocating for safe and inclusive housing policies. Yet, for many, the housing sector remains an overlooked career path. CIH's "CHOOSE HOUSING" campaign aims to change that by spotlighting the sector’s diverse opportunities and the profound impact professionals make every day.
My journey into housing
Like many, I didn’t start my career in housing. My background spans employability, youth work, and community engagement—fields that continuously intersect with housing. Whether supporting young people leaving care, advocating for policy change, or helping families navigate complex systems, one thing became clear: housing is at the heart of everything.
My lived experience shaped my understanding of the sector. I’ve seen firsthand how secure homes can transform lives, and conversely, how poor housing or homelessness can exacerbate financial instability, mental health struggles, and social exclusion. This perspective fuels my commitment to trauma-informed, inclusive housing policies that centre the needs of the most vulnerable.
The power of career conversations
National Careers Week (NCW ) provides a pivotal moment to encourage conversations about careers in housing. CIH hosted a series of events, including panel discussions, career webinars, and mentoring sessions to engage professionals and students alike, if you missed any of them don’t worry you can watch them back here. But it doesn’t have to be National Careers Week for housing professionals to share their career journeys on social media, engaging with local schools and universities, and offering insight into the sector's diverse opportunities.
Many people enter the sector by chance, unaware of its breadth and impact. CIH members have a unique role to play in shaping the next generation of housing professionals. Whether through mentoring, networking, or informal chats, we can inspire others to consider housing as a career—not just a job.
The work we do is incredible. Housing professionals influence lives daily, whether supporting tenants, managing homes, or shaping policy. By sharing our career journeys and the real-world impact of our work, we help demystify the sector and highlight the meaningful opportunities within it.
Housing’s cross-sector influence
One of the sector’s greatest strengths is its intersectionality. Housing is not an isolated industry; it connects with social care, employability, mental health services, and justice reform. Many professionals engage with external partners who may not initially recognise housing’s role in addressing broader societal challenges.
For instance, a secure home is often the key to breaking cycles of reoffending, improving mental health outcomes, and enabling stable employment. Strengthening collaboration between sectors can drive holistic solutions and ensure housing remains central to public policy discussions.
Amplifying member voices
The housing sector is diverse, and so are the paths into it. Some enter through traditional routes, while others transition from social work, community development, or even corporate backgrounds. Listening to the experiences of CIH members showcases the variety of opportunities available and the different ways people contribute to the sector. Whether working in frontline services, policy, asset management, or governance, there’s a place for everyone in housing.
By highlighting these stories, we can challenge outdated perceptions and attract new talent from underrepresented backgrounds, including individuals from ethnic minority communities, those with lived experience of social housing, and people with disabilities. Many face barriers such as lack of awareness, limited access to professional networks, and systemic discrimination. Addressing these challenges through mentorship, targeted outreach, and inclusive hiring practices can help create a more diverse and equitable housing sector. Representation matters—ensuring diverse voices are heard leads to more inclusive and responsive housing services.
Building careers and confidence in housing
A career in housing is dynamic, offering continuous learning and professional growth. Public speaking, networking, and participation in industry events are crucial for confidence-building and career progression. CIH provides invaluable opportunities for development, from professional qualifications to leadership programs.
Encouraging engagement in housing networks not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the sector as a whole. New professionals can get involved by attending CIH events, joining mentorship programs, participating in policy discussions, and engaging with online housing communities to expand their knowledge and connections. The more we invest in professional development, the more equipped we are to tackle housing challenges and advocate for meaningful change.
Why Choose Housing?
Because it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that everyone - regardless of background - has a safe, secure, and dignified place to call home. If you’re passionate about social justice, community impact, and real change, housing offers one of the most rewarding careers you can pursue.
For those already in the sector, now is the time to share your story, mentor others, and champion the next generation of housing professionals. The future of housing depends on the talent, passion, and dedication of those who choose to make a difference.
So, why not choose housing? Utilise the CIH website to explore career pathways, connect with housing professionals, and learn how you can make a difference in the sector.
