An evaluation of the Greater Manchester Housing Provider (GMHP) BOOST leadership mentoring programme has found good evidence that the initiative is helping ethnically diverse housing professionals progress their careers while supporting housing organisations across Greater Manchester to enable more equitable pathways to leadership.
The findings of the report, which was published by academic partners at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) were shared at the BOOST Programme Conference, which brought together mentees, mentors, Change Champions and senior leaders from across the sector on 9 July 2026 to reflect on the programme’s impact and explore its next phase of development.
What is BOOST, and what did the evaluation show?
Delivered through a partnership between GMHP and MMU, BOOST was established to address the underrepresentation of ethnically diverse colleagues in leadership positions across the housing sector.
The evaluation of the programme’s first two mentoring cohorts found that around half of the participating mentees had secured an internal or external promotion or pay rise following their involvement in the programme.
Among the key findings, it was highlighted that nine of the 14 mentees who completed the programme in 2024 have progressed through promotion or pay progression, while 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, it has shown similar levels of success, with some mentees already having gained new roles while on the programme.
Many participants who hadn’t yet secured promotion reported positive outcomes, including:
- increased confidence
- improved wellbeing
- stronger professional networks
- clearer and more strategic careers plans
- enhanced leadership skills
Others had moved into new roles, made career changes including becoming self-employed or pursuing strategically selected qualifications, or taken on additional responsibilities within their organisations. There was also a raised awareness of role structures and transferrable skills.
The evaluation concluded that there is strong evidence for the overall effectiveness of the BOOST model, while also identifying opportunities to further strengthen and develop the programme in the years ahead, ensuring that our leadership reflects the communities we serve.
The conference
Speaking at the conference, Professor Julia Rouse, BOOST’s academic lead, presented the evaluation findings and highlighted the programme’s contribution to developing 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 ‘Best for Inclusion’ at the Good Employment Charter Awards, and Hannah Holmes, Dean and Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business and Law at MMU, who spoke about the wider significance of the programme and the challenges it has both highlighted and seeks to address.
The conference featured workshops, breakout sessions, and a panel discussion with mentees, who shared their experiences of the programme and reflected on how BOOST had helped them overcome barriers, build confidence, and advocate for others and for positive change within their organisations.
John Bowker, Chief Executive of Southway Housing Trust and BOOST Project Sponsor, shared a new film featuring mentees, mentors and Change Champions, showcasing the impact the programme has had across Greater Manchester. He went on to outline the programme's next steps and encouraged members to continue shaping its future development.
The conference concluded with remarks from Ulfat Hussain, Chief Executive of Arawak Walton Housing Association, who reinforced the importance of improving ethnic diversity within leadership and why action is still needed to ensure that the customers and communities we service see themselves reflected in our leaders.
What's next?
As BOOST reaches the end of its three-year partnership with MMU, the programme is preparing for its next chapter after securing continued funding from GMHP for a further year.
The ongoing investment reflects a shared commitment across Greater Manchester's housing sector to developing diverse leadership talent, tackling barriers to progression and creating workplaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and reach their full potential.
To read the full evaluation report and learn more about the BOOST Programme, please visit GMHP's BOOST website.
