Reflections on an Inspiring Year with the Housing LIN Future Leaders Network

This year’s Housing LIN Future Leaders programme has been nothing short of brilliant. As SNG, we’ve been proud to support a network that brings together some of the brightest, most passionate minds working across housing, health, and social care. What continues to stand out about this programme is the collective energy it generates—an enthusiasm not just for innovation, but for meaningful, human-centred change.

Having been part of the very first Future Leaders cohort myself, it has been a privilege to watch how the programme continues to catalyse new leaders’ journeys. There’s something incredibly special about seeing others experience the same lightbulb moments, the same encouragement, and the same sense of empowerment that the programme once sparked in me. Each year, the network deepens, expands, and strengthens—and with it grows the sector’s capacity to make a lasting impact.

A personal highlight for me this year was our time together at Appleby Blue, an inspiring intergenerational housing community in South London. Being in a place that so thoughtfully embodies connection, dignity, and design across generations really brought home the importance of the work we’re all doing. It was also a joy to hear perspectives from such a wide range of leaders across the sector—each bringing their own insight, challenge, and ambition.

I hope the group will keep connecting long after the formal programme ends. One of the most valuable lessons Jeremy and the programme taught me is that your colleagues aren’t just the people you happen to work alongside day to day. They include the peers you meet across the wider sector—the ones who challenge your thinking, broaden your horizons, and walk alongside you as you grow.

The Future Leaders Network is powerful because it reminds us of the collective potential we hold when we come together with curiosity, compassion, and purpose. I can’t wait to see what this year’s cohort goes on to achieve and am proud and excited to be supporting next year’s cohort!

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Sarah's blog is one of many by members of the 5th cohort of the Housing LIN’s Future Leaders Programme who have agreed to share what they learned on the 2025/26 programme. We are excited to publish these ahead of recruiting for the 2026/27 intake onto our Future Leaders programme, sponsored by Sovereign Network Group.

And, if you found this of interest, do check out the other blogs in this series, along with the TikTok videos recorded, which will be available here.