Our support for the 20% Movement helps customers build long-term careers
We want to make sure our customers feel confident to see us not just as a landlord, but as a potential employer too.
Across the Greater Manchester Housing Providers partnership (GMHP), there’s a shared ambition to see more customers apply for and succeed in jobs with us, bringing valuable lived experience into the work we do.
For us, this isn’t about offering jobs differently, but about building the right conditions over time – raising awareness, offering insight, and supporting people to take that step if they want to.
We’ve already seen how powerful that can be. One of our colleagues, Milly, began their journey with us as a customer, and now two years later she’s thriving in a long-term role helping people across our communities.
Her journey reflects the impact of the 20% Movement, a GMHP initiative which aims to increase the number of people from social housing who can access meaningful employment within social housing organisations by 2034.
We’ve been part of the 20% Movement since it began in 2024, and we’re committed to creating clear and accessible routes into work. We do this through targeted training and employment support, local partnerships, and working closely with Jobcentre teams so we reach as many people as possible.
There’s clear interest from our customers too as places at our recent community event in April filled up quickly. The event brought together residents, partners, and community organisations to highlight the career opportunities for people living in social housing through the 20% Movement. We’re looking at how we can continue this approach with more opportunities for people to find out about working with us in future.
Milly's story
After connecting with our Employment Support Team, Milly began an 18-month Peer Navigator role in our Community Engagement Team, delivered in partnership with Bolton CVS. Peer Navigators are local tenants and residents who act as connectors and champions for their neighbourhoods. They work to link people into community support, enable access to appropriate services, and promote self‑care and positive behaviour change.
During that time, she grew in confidence, gained hands on experience supporting residents, and built a deeper understanding of the challenges some people face, and the difference the right support can make.
Building on this experience, she has since secured a permanent position with us as a UCAN Project Officer, helping people access advice and support.
Milly is also working on a three-year fixed term contract as a Community Engagement Project Officer in Farnworth.
Speaking of her experience, Milly said: “There are so many opportunities within social housing. Whether it’s working in community engagement, health and safety, repairs, admin and so much more.
“People often say they never imagined working in social housing, or that they fell into this job. I think it’s time to change that and put social housing careers on the map and initiatives like the 20% Movement can make that happen.”
Noel Sharpe, our Chief Executive and Vice Chair of GMHP, said: “We’re proud to support the 20% Movement and work with partners across Greater Manchester to help shape a housing workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
“We recruit for a wide variety of roles and it’s important that everyone has fair access to these opportunities. Our Employment Support Team helps people build their confidence and skills so they can move into long term, meaningful work. Milly’s journey is a brilliant example of what’s possible when barriers are removed and people get the support they need.”
Our Employment Support Team is available to answer any questions about the 20% Movement and to discuss current opportunities.
You can find out more and keep up to date with our latest vacancies by tapping here.