Healthy Homes Hub CEO Jenny Danson Named Innovation Champion 2026
11/02/2026
We’re incredibly proud to share that our CEO, Jenny Danson, has been named Innovation Champion 2026 at the Housing Innovation Awards, hosted by Housing Digital.
But as Jenny herself reflected on the night, this award is not really about a shiny idea, a clever pilot, or a single innovation.
It was about the room.
People standing up. People backing the work. People openly supporting the belief that all homes should be healthy.
That collective energy mattered because it confirmed something we have believed since day one: meaningful change in housing only happens when people across the system choose to raise the bar together.
An award rooted in values, not vanity
Over the past 18 months, Healthy Homes Hub has been built around a small number of deeply held principles:
Everyone, regardless of tenure, deserves to live in a healthy home
Prevention must come before reaction
Homes should support wellbeing, not quietly undermine it
This work has never been about ticking compliance boxes or responding to problems after harm has already occurred. It has been about reframing homes as a health intervention, and using evidence, data and lived experience to prevent risk before it escalates.
Jenny’s Innovation Champion award recognises that approach, not as a future ambition, but as a growing movement already taking shape across the sector.
Powered by a community willing to challenge “how it’s always been done”
Nothing we have achieved so far has been done in isolation.
This recognition reflects the commitment of a growing community spanning housing, health, technology and policy; people and organisations willing to question entrenched practices, share evidence, and prioritise long-term outcomes over short-term fixes.
It’s that collective willingness to challenge the status quo that made the moment feel so significant.
And it’s why this award speaks to the scale of impact the Hub’s work is already having across housing.
This is just the beginning
Innovation Champion 2026 is not a finish line. It’s a signal.
A signal that the sector is ready for:
More evidence-led decision making
Deeper collaboration across disciplines
And a stronger focus on doing what’s right, not just what’s easiest
As Jenny put it on the night: this is about building momentum and turning belief into action.
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What Are the Benefits of Being a Member of the Healthy Homes Hub?
Industry Recognition and Networking:
Connect with a thriving network of over 350 housing organisations, including decision-makers, innovators, and leaders. Build partnerships that enhance your professional growth and create lasting business opportunities.
Showcase Your Expertise:
Demonstrate your impact by participating in exclusive case studies, webinars, and events. Highlight your contributions to creating healthier, sustainable homes, reaching a broad audience across the sector.
Influence Policy and Advocacy:
Be part of shaping housing policy through direct engagement with policymakers and advocacy efforts. Stay at the forefront of discussions driving meaningful change in the housing sector.
Access to Market Insights:
Gain access to Healthy Homes Hub’s regular newsletters, expert analysis, and resources. Stay informed about trends, regulations, and innovative practices that affect housing professionals.
Specialised Events and Workshops:
Take part in events like the Immersive Study Tours, offering hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Visit groundbreaking projects and facilities to explore real-world solutions for healthier and more sustainable homes.
Exclusive Tools and Resources:
Only members can upgrade to Housing Sage, a cutting-edge AI assistant tailored to social housing professionals. Benefit from personalised insights, regulatory guidance, and innovative ideas to enhance your operations.
Collaboration Opportunities:
Contribute to Healthy Homes Hub’s mission by sharing best practices, participating in action learning programmes like the Retrofit Society, or co-developing solutions with academic and industry leaders.
