Jacqui De-Rose, Group Chief Executive at Progress Housing Group

The HIP: The Housing Industry Podcast

The importance of social housing in our society can’t be understated. But with the challenges that the sector currently faces, how do we ensure that we’re providing enough supported living while also innovating and supporting individual needs?
This week we sit down with Jacqui De-Rose, Group Chief Executive at Progress Housing Group. Jacqui shares with us the story of what got her hooked on housing. She has been at the helm of Progress for 20 years, and with that experience comes a wealth of knowledge of the industry.
Jacqui shares her view of how Progress and the industry as a whole have changed in the last 20 years. She gives us insights into the merger with Reside Housing Association and its impacts. We speak about how Progress is helping people gain independence and how supported living has evolved in general.
Jacqui also shares her thoughts on digitisation and how technology can help the industry become more inclusive. We speak about Progress’ involvement with Project SEARCH - the program that gets people with learning difficulties and autism into employment opportunities. Jacqui shares her experiences with hiring for a more diverse board and offers essential advice for aspiring leaders.
In this episode, we cover:
● The importance of supported living for people with disabilities
● The Progress/Reside merger
● What’s changed across the housing sector in the last 20 years?
● What is Project SEARCH and how to get involved
● How can bespoke support be provided to meet individual needs while still providing a consistent service?
● The issues with only hiring within sector
● How can we champion more diversity at board level?
● How do we encourage people to be braver when applying for roles?
● How can we tackle the challenges the industry currently faces?