Weaver Vale Housing Trust (WVHT) has been recognised as one of the leading employers in the housing association sector, after being featured in Housing Today’s Good Employer Guide 2026.
The inaugural guide is a national celebration of housing associations that are setting the highest standard for workplace practices, leading the way in areas such as employee development, diversity and inclusion, culture and staff wellbeing.
Selection for the guide came from a sector-wide survey exploring how housing organisations support and develop their people. Housing associations answered a variety of questions and provided data on a range of employment topics, including staff benefits, training and development programmes, and health and wellbeing initiatives.
The Trust was acknowledged for its overall staff turnover rate of 8% and for demonstrating best practice in supporting its workforce while addressing the needs of the housing sector.
This includes ongoing development for all employees, with each colleague offered an average of 57 hours of training per year – placing the Trust among the top three associations for training provisions – to better support them in serving their communities as effectively as possible.
Where other providers require staff to have worked a set number of years at the organisation before qualifying for a sabbatical or career break, the Trust welcomes colleagues to submit applications for consideration for reasons ranging from family commitments to studying or travelling.
Jo Warren, Director of People and Communications at WVHT, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be included in Housing Today’s Good Employer Guide. Our people are the driving force behind the positive work we do, and it’s truly a testament to the culture that our colleagues have built together.
“This recognition shows the dedication and talent of our teams and reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing an environment where people can excel and make a difference.
“Looking after our people is a key priority. We offer private health care, enhanced maternity and paternity benefits, and we’re always seeking out what colleagues are thinking and feeling to help shape a culture that is inclusive and continuously improving.
“We’re committed to each member of our team and will continue to make Weaver Vale Housing Trust a great place to work and progress.”
WVHT aims to build or acquire 100 new homes this year, understanding that investing in its people and supporting their continued development will play a big part in reaching this goal.
Employing over 300 members of staff and managing 6,700 homes across Cheshire and Warrington, the Trust has also secured the highest possible regulatory grade for customer standards, viability and governance.
Looking ahead, the Trust will continue to drive progress in workplace culture, diversity and employee wellbeing – ensuring its people are empowered and equipped to deliver the best possible service to their communities.