Northern Housing Consortium recognised for outstanding workplace wellbeing
Northern Housing Consortium colleagues take part in a Walk & Talk initiative to mark Time to Talk day, organised by the staff wellbeing group
The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) – the membership body for the social housing sector across the North of England – has been awarded the Better Health at Work Award in the Continuing Excellence category, as the organisation marks its 51st year.
The Continuing Excellence award reflects the NHC’s focus on being one of the very best places to work in the region. The NHC, encompassing NHC Procurement, first achieved the Bronze award in 2022, swiftly followed by Silver in 2023 and Gold in 2024.
The award recognises employers that take a proactive, evidence-based approach to health and wellbeing at work, embedding good practice into everyday workplace culture. The NHC is now part of a select group of organisations that have achieved Continuing Excellence for their commitment to employee wellbeing.
Tracy Harrison, Chief Executive of the NHC, said:
“This award is something we’re incredibly proud of because it reflects our focus on people. We want the NHC to be a place where people feel supported, valued and able to be their best at work. Achieving Continuing Excellence shows that our focus on wellbeing isn’t a one-off or a tick-box exercise, but a core part of who we are, making the NHC a great place to work and attracting and retaining talented people.”
Wellbeing at the NHC is shaped by colleagues themselves through a staff-led wellbeing group, which has grown into a central part of the organisation. The wellbeing group works collaboratively, helping to identify workplace wellbeing priorities and forming strategies to achieve these.
Kay Wiseman, Head of HR and Wellbeing at the NHC, said:
“From mental health and financial wellbeing to fitness, nutrition and first aid, we’ve focused on creating practical, inclusive initiatives that genuinely support everyday life.
“When people feel better, they’re happier, more productive, and the whole organisation benefits. The results speak for themselves, with a third of our staff with us for over ten years, and our headcount growing by over 30% in the last three years alone.”
Over the past year, the NHC’s internal wellbeing campaigns have included group activities, expert speakers, health checks, budgeting support and hands-on opportunities to build first-aid skills.
All colleagues also have access to mental health first aiders, an employee assistance programme and a dedicated wellbeing portal offering gym membership discounts, information on health services and 24-hour mental health support. A corporate flu jab scheme was also introduced in 2025 to further support staff health and wellbeing.
Better Health at Work assessors praised the NHC’s leadership and culture, noting a “comprehensive and proactive approach to workforce health, safety and wellbeing”. The NHC is now working towards achieving Maintaining Excellence in 2026, continuing to build on its wellbeing programmes as part of its wider people strategy.
Tracy Harrison added:
“We’re ambitious about the future, not just in the work we do across the northern housing sector, but in the kind of employer we want to be. Recognition like this helps us tell that story and reinforces our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive and rewarding place to work.”
Those interested in career opportunities at the NHC should visit the LinkedIn page for upcoming vacancies.
