Be One Homes is proud to be part of the BOOST leadership mentoring programme, which is helping create more opportunities for ethnically diverse colleagues to move into leadership roles across the housing sector. A recent evaluation has found strong evidence that the programme is already making a positive difference.
Launched in 2023 and delivered through a partnership between Greater Manchester Housing Providers (GMHP) and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), BOOST was created to address the underrepresentation of ethnically diverse colleagues in leadership roles across housing. The programme focuses on removing barriers to progression and creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to develop, progress and succeed.
The findings were shared at the BOOST Programme Conference on 9 July. The event brought together mentees, mentors, Change Champions and senior leaders from across the sector to reflect on the programme’s impact and look ahead to its next phase.
The evaluation looked at the programme’s first two mentoring cohorts and found that around half of the mentees had secured an internal or external promotion, or a pay rise, after taking part.
The report found that:
- Nine of the 14 mentees who completed the programme in 2024 have since received a promotion or pay progression.
- Six of the 18 mentees who completed the programme in 2025 have already progressed in their careers.
- While Cohort 3 was not included in the evaluation, some mentees have already secured new roles while taking part in the programme.
The benefits went beyond promotions. Many participants said the programme helped them build confidence, improve their wellbeing, expand their professional networks and develop stronger leadership skills. Others took on new responsibilities, changed career paths or completed qualifications to support their future career goals. Participants also reported a better understanding of career pathways and transferable skills.
The evaluation found strong evidence that the BOOST model is working, while also identifying ways the programme can continue to grow and improve. The long-term aim is to help create leadership teams that better reflect the diverse communities we serve.
At the conference, Professor Julia Rouse, BOOST’s academic lead, shared the evaluation findings and spoke about the programme’s role in supporting more inclusive leadership across the housing sector.
Delegates also heard from Ian MacArthur, Director of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, who recognised BOOST’s nomination for the Best for Inclusion award at the Good Employment Charter Awards. Hannah Holmes, Dean and Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business and Law at MMU, also spoke about the wider impact of the programme and the challenges it continues to address.
The conference included workshops, breakout sessions and a panel discussion with mentees, who shared their experiences of BOOST. They spoke about how the programme had helped them overcome barriers, build confidence and create positive change within their organisations.
John Bowker, Chief Executive of Southway Housing Trust and BOOST Project Sponsor, also shared a new film featuring mentees, mentors and Change Champions. The film highlights the impact the programme has had across Greater Manchester. He also outlined the programme’s next steps and encouraged members to help shape its future.
The conference concluded with remarks from Ulfat Hussain, Chief Executive of Arawak Walton Housing Association, who highlighted the importance of improving ethnic diversity in leadership and why continued action is needed to ensure our customers and communities can see themselves reflected in the people leading the sector.
Read more about the BOOST Programme here: BOOST Organisational Change Programme – GMHP
