Longleigh Foundation Shortlisted for ACO 2024 Annual Awards

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Longleigh Foundation has been shortlisted for the ‘Commercial Collaboration of the Year’ at the ACO 2024 Annual Awards. This nomination reflects the collaborative work we’ve accomplished with Altair, a consultancy specialising in the social housing sector, for our extensive research into floor covering provisions at point of let in social housing.  

In May 2024, this collaboration concluded in a comprehensive report detailing the far-reaching impact of inadequate floor coverings, which can harm child development, reduce comfort, cause financial strain, and contribute to tenancy failures.

Our research, supported by surveys, interviews, and focus groups revealed that an estimated 760,000 adults in UK social housing may be living without proper floor coverings, exposing a critical gap in basic living standards.

The research has spurred the sector to advocate for policy changes to improve living conditions for social housing tenants. The report calls for significant government funding, estimated at £494.7 million in the first year to address this issue. Despite the substantial investment, the potential social return is significant, with benefits including improved quality of life, tenancy sustainment, and overall wellbeing.

Aileen Edmunds, Chief Executive at Longleigh says:

I am absolutely thrilled to be nominated for this award—it is a testament to our belief in partnership, and working with shared visions and values, across sectors to make a difference. At Longleigh, our passion and the best award is when we can make that difference, and create opportunities for people living in social housing to thrive.

This collaboration has set a precedent for improving housing quality standards and has emphasised the importance of making a house a home by prioritising tenant voices.

The winners will be announced at the ACO Annual Conference in September.