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Helen McHale has dedicated more than 40 years to social housing, rising from trainee to chief executive while inspiring others through her authenticity and compassion. On taking the helm at Stockport Homes Group (SHG), Helen inherited a struggling housing service and has transformed it into a high-performing, customer-led organisation. Under her leadership, SHG became the first ALMO to build new homes and sign agreements with the Housing Corporation (which used to be the housing sector’s regulator). Last year, SHG achieved the best tenant satisfaction measure results for any council landlord in the country. She is never afraid to speak out, and this has earned her sector-wide respect. 

As a founder and active member of Greater Manchester Housing Providers, Helen played a key role in influencing the combined authority and advocating for social housing’s role. Helen’s people-first approach earned her recognition as HR Magazine’s ‘most people-focused CEO’, while SHG has ranked among the UK’s top employers for 16 consecutive years – winning best place to work three times. But despite her successes, Helen has always remained humble. It’s time she took the spotlight. 

The judges said:

“This entry demonstrates a long and impressive track record, and a very impressive career – rising from trainee to chief executive at the same organisation”