6 News


Platform electrics manager shortlisted for Rising Star award


A


member of Platform Housing Group has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award recognising innovation and


leadership in community safety. Worcester based Joe Henshaw, an electrical


quality supervisor manager at Platform, has been named a finalist in the Rising Star category at the AICO Community Awards 2026. Te awards, organised by home life safety experts


AICO, celebrate individuals and organisations making a difference to communities through leadership, innovation and commitment to safety. Joe’s nomination recognises his work in


transforming electrical compliance processes across


Platform’s homes, improving safety standards for residents while developing the skills and confidence of colleagues across the organisation. Since stepping into the electrical quality


supervisor leadership role, Joe has introduced new systems and processes to strengthen compliance assurance, improve efficiency and support better collaboration between internal teams and contractors. Tis includes developing innovative digital tools


to track compliance activity and creating structured professional development sessions for electricians and quality supervisors to improve knowledge sharing and technical standards.


Te improvements have helped ensure homes


meet the highest electrical safety standards while reducing administrative delays and allowing teams to focus on quality assurance and onsite inspections. Joe was nominated by Phil Trickett, head of


heating and compliance at Platform Housing Group, who praised his “leadership and commitment to raising standards.” Te AICO Community Awards 2026 celebrate


individuals and organisations who are making a positive impact across communities through leadership, collaboration and innovation. Winners will be announced at the awards


ceremony at the ICC Birmingham on 16 April 2026.


Gloucestershire housing provider partnership invests £30m in energy-efficient home upgrades


More than £30m will be spent to “slash energy bills and carbon emissions for families across Gloucestershire” over the next three years. A group of affordable housing providers known


as the Gloucestershire Homes and Communities Partnership (GHCP) plans to invest the money into


making the more than 35,000 homes it manages across the county better for the environment and cheaper to run. In the coming financial year alone, GHCP


members are set to invest more than £22m in energy efficiency improvements. Stroud District Council will invest £6.3m, Two Rivers Housing £4.5m, Bromford Flagship £3.4m, Cheltenham Borough Council Housing Services £3.07m, Gloucester City Homes £2.66m, and Rooſtop Housing Group £2.5m. Several partners have already committed further funding for 2027/28 and beyond. Measures will include rooſtop solar panels, better


insulation and low-carbon heating systems, and “boosting training pathways for green jobs.” Alongside Two Rivers, the GHCP includes


Bromford Flagship LiveWest (BFL), Cheltenham Borough Council Housing Services, Gloucester City Homes, GreenSquareAccord, Rooſtop


Housing Management & Maintenance Spring 2026


Housing Group, and Stroud District Council, who together own 73% of all affordable housing in Gloucestershire. Cheltenham YMCA and Elim Housing have recently joined the partnership. Tese organisations have “already invested


millions into decarbonisation over the past few years, and it is hoped this further investment swill help families cope with rising energy costs while tackling climate change,” commented the partnership. Te GHCP is also working with Gloucestershire


County Council and local suppliers to train people in green energy skills, creating jobs in everything from heat pump installation to solar panel fitting. A careers day was held at Bromford Flagship’s


office in Tewkesbury, on 10 March. Alongside decarbonisation, GHCP members will “continue to work together on amplifying customer voice, improving supported housing, and delivering more affordable homes across the county.”


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