Rising Stars Cymru Award 2026

Finalists will be required to:

1. Submit two 500-word max. written responses to two set questions, showcasing their vision, values, and contribution to the sector; and
2. Deliver a 5-minute presentation at TAI 2026, CIH Cymru’s annual conference and exhibition

Finalists must be available to attend the TAI 2026 event taking place on 27-28 April at ICC, Celtic Manor, Newport.  The winner will be announced first hand at the conference dinner taking place on the evening of Monday 27 April.

1. Introduction

Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Cymru is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all individuals in the Rising Stars Cymru 2026 competition.

This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, store, and share personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

By submitting a nomination or application for Rising Stars Cymru 2026, you agree to the following terms and conditions.

2. Data controller

The data controller for the purposes of this competition is:

Chartered Institute of Housing
Suites 5 and 6, Rowan House, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8HS
Tel: 024 7685 1700
Web: www.cih.org

3. What information we collect

We may collect and process the following personal data from applicants and nominators:

• Full name, job title, organisation, and contact details (email, phone, address)
• Employment history or voluntary experience (up to 3 years)
• Written responses and supporting statements submitted as part of the application
• Photographs, videos, or presentation materials used in the competition or publicity
• Feedback, testimonials, and consent preferences

If you are nominated by someone else, we may collect your details from the nominating individual.

4. Legal basis for processing

Our legal basis for processing your personal data is:

• Your consent, which you provide when submitting an entry or nomination; and
• Our legitimate interest in administering and managing the competition effectively.

We will only process the personal data necessary for these purposes.

5. Purpose of using your personal data

Your personal data will be used for the following purposes:

• To manage and administer the Rising Stars Cymru 2026 competition
• To assess eligibility and evaluate entries
• To contact you regarding your application or nomination
• To promote and publicise the Rising Stars Cymru initiative and finalists (including through the CIH website, social media channels, press releases, and TAI 2026 conference materials)

6. How we store and protect your data

All personal data will be stored securely on CIH systems with restricted access.  We will apply appropriate measures to prevent unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.

Retention period – Personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary to administer the competition, verify eligibility, complete administrative and reporting requirements, and for reasonable archiving or publicity purposes — normally up to three years after the announcement of the winner, unless you request otherwise.  After this period, data will be securely deleted or anonymised in accordance with our data retention policy.  CIH ensures this is done by implementing regular reviews of stored data, restricting access to authorised personnel only, and securely deleting or anonymising data once the retention period has expired.  Published materials may remain publicly accessible beyond the general retention period, unless legally or operationally removed.

7. Members data

If you’re already a member, the information you provide for this competition may be added to your membership record. If you become a member to take part, we’ll add the details you share to your new record.  We’ll protect and keep this information in line with the same rules and time limits set out in this privacy notice.

8. Children’s data

If nominees or participants are under 18 years of age, we will collect and process their personal data only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.  We will ensure that all communications and processing of data comply with applicable child data protection requirements.

9. Sharing of personal data

Your data may be shared with:

• Members of the judging panel for assessment purposes
• CIH staff and contractors supporting delivery of the TAI event
• Internal CIH staff involved in promoting Rising Stars Cymru or TAI 2026
• Event venue (e.g. ICC Celtic Manor) for logistical and security reasons

We will never sell your data or share it with any unrelated third parties for marketing purposes.

10. International data transfers

All personal data collected through this process is stored and processed within the UK.  We do not transfer your data outside the UK.  Should this change, we will ensure that any transfers comply with UK data protection law.

11. Photography and media

Finalists and the winner(s) may be photographed, filmed, or recorded during TAI 2026 and other promotional events.

These images and recordings may be used for CIH Cymru’s publicity, digital content, or media materials.

You will be asked to provide explicit consent for this when participating as a finalist.

12. Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

•    Access your personal data
•    Request correction or deletion
•    Object to processing or withdraw consent
•    Request restriction or data portability

If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact wales@cih.org.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.

We will respond to all requests within one month. This deadline may be extended in cases where the request is particularly complex.

13. Competition terms of entry

• Entrants must have worked in Welsh housing (in a paid or voluntary capacity) for less than three years at the time of entry.
• Entrants must be current Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) members.
• Nominations must be submitted by 18:00 Friday 23 January 2026.  Late entries will not be accepted.
• Nominations must be submitted using the official entry process.
• Finalists must be willing to submit two written responses (maximum 500 words each) to two set questions, demonstrating their vision, values, and contribution to the housing sector.
• Finalists must be available and willing to deliver a five-minute presentation on Day 1 of the TAI 2026 Conference (27–28 April 2026) at ICC Wales, Celtic Manor, Newport.
  Please note: all travel and accommodation costs must be covered by the nominated individual or their employer.
• Accessibility and support: CIH Cymru is committed to ensuring the competition is inclusive. Reasonable adjustments and support will be provided for finalists with disabilities to enable full participation.
• Withdrawal and substitution: If a finalist withdraws from the competition at any stage, no substitute finalist will be accepted in their place.  Withdrawal will apply to future use of your information only and cannot affect materials already published or released prior to the withdrawal, including programme content, recordings, and social media posts.
• Disqualification: CIH Cymru reserves the right to disqualify any entrant who provides false or misleading information, breaches these terms, or acts in a way that could bring the competition or CIH Cymru into disrepute.
• Prize conditions: All prize components (for example, shadowing opportunities or professional development experiences) are subject to availability and may be changed or replaced with an equivalent alternative at CIH Cymru’s discretion.
• Winners: In the event of an exact tie in the final scores, there may be more than one winner declared.
• CIH Cymru reserves the right to verify eligibility, amend competition details, or withdraw an entry at its discretion.
• The judges’ decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
• By entering, participants agree that their name, organisation, and image may be used in promotional materials related to Rising Stars Cymru.

14. Updates to this notice

We may update this Privacy Notice from time to time. The latest version will always be available on the CIH website.

The prize

The Rising Stars Cymru 2026 winner will receive:

• A feature article published on the CIH website and in Welsh Housing Quarterly magazine
• 12-month membership to Housing Futures Cymru, CIH Cymru’s policy advisory panel of early-career professionals influencing Welsh Government
• Opportunity to shadow a housing association Chief Executive for one day (arranged locally)
• A digital “CIH Rising Stars Cymru Winner” badge for use on LinkedIn, email signatures, and other digital platforms
• VIP guest invitation to the Welsh Housing Awards 2026
• Free place on an online CIH training course of your choice 

NOTE: No cash alternative is available