Housing professional of the year

• Individual nominated: Ruaidhri Galligan
• Organisation: Smartmove Housing

Statement of support

I am pleased to nominate Ruaidhri Galligan, our Landlord and Tenant Liaison Officer, for the Housing Professional of the Year Award. Ruaidhri has demonstrated exceptional achievement within our organisation and made a profound impact on both landlords and tenants. His dedication, professionalism, and compassion set a standard of excellence that truly deserves recognition.

From the outset, Ruaidhri has shown that his priority is people. He works tirelessly to provide guidance and support on a wide range of housing issues – whether explaining tenancy agreements, assisting with repairs, or resolving disputes. His calm, professional approach and ability to listen carefully make challenging situations easier for everyone involved.

One of Ruaidhri’s greatest strengths is his commitment to helping tenants sustain their tenancies. He understands the stress and uncertainty that housing problems can cause and works relentlessly to prevent evictions. Through patient listening and skilled negotiation with landlords, Ruaidhri has achieved remarkable outcomes for tenants. He has successfully arranged affordable payment plans to prevent eviction, fought for essential repairs to ensure safe living conditions, and guided tenants through complex financial aid applications. Beyond this, he actively connects individuals with additional support services, such as budgeting advice, welfare assistance, and community resources. His ability to combine empathy with practical solutions demonstrates his commitment to giving tenants every possible chance to sustain their homes and improve their quality of life. He has also secured alternative and suitable homes for those facing changes in circumstances. These efforts have enabled countless individuals and families to remain in their homes or move into safer, more appropriate housing. His work has provided stability and hope where it was needed most.

What truly sets Ruaidhri apart is his willingness to go above and beyond his normal working hours. He does not simply finish at the end of the day and move on – he continues to check in on tenants, makes follow-up calls, and even visits when someone is in crisis. Known for his patience and empathy, Ruaidhri offers a listening ear and practical solutions. He negotiates opportunities for tenants to keep their homes and ensures they have access to extra help, such as financial advice or community support. This level of care reflects his deep commitment to the wellbeing of others. For Ruaidhri, this is far more than a job – it is a mission to make sure people feel safe, supported, and given every chance to succeed.

Ruaidhri’s passion for housing shines through in all his work. He is honest, fair, and always professional, earning the trust and respect of both tenants and landlords. Feedback from those he has helped speaks volumes:

• “I don’t know where I would be now if it were not for Ruaidhri’s help.”
• “Thank you so much for your support. I now feel better within myself and ready to take the next step to find work.”

Landlords also praise his work:

• “I can always depend on you to keep me right and out of trouble.”
• “Invaluable service – I appreciate your time in keeping me updated and helping the tenant to stay in their home.”

His dedication has had a significant impact on the community. Tenants feel valued and secure, landlords trust his guidance, and housing issues are resolved quickly and fairly. By building strong relationships and offering practical solutions, Ruaidhri prevents problems before they escalate and promotes stability for all parties involved.

In short, Ruaidhri is an inspiring example of what it means to serve the community with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. His work has improved lives, strengthened housing security, and upheld the highest standards in our sector. For all these reasons, I am proud to nominate Ruaidhri Galligan for this award. 

Outcomes and achievements

Through proactive engagement, Ruaidhri has successfully prevented numerous evictions by negotiating affordable payment plans and mediating between landlords and tenants. His efforts have ensured that families remain in safe and secure homes, reducing the risk of homelessness.

A key achievement has been the provision of practical support for tenants facing financial hardship. Ruaidhri has guided individuals through complex financial aid applications and connected them with additional resources such as budgeting advice, welfare assistance, and community services. This holistic approach has strengthened tenants’ ability to sustain their tenancies long-term.

The project has also addressed urgent housing needs by securing alternative and suitable accommodation for tenants experiencing changes in circumstances. Ruaidhri’s advocacy has resulted in essential repairs being carried out promptly, improving living conditions and tenant satisfaction.

Feedback from both tenants and landlords highlights the success of this initiative. Tenants report feeling supported and empowered, while landlords value the professional guidance that helps maintain positive relationships and tenancy stability.

• Individual nominated: Linzi Webb
• Organisation: Radius Housing Association

Statement of support

1. Personal Achievement of Outstanding Success (Past 12 Months)

Linzi joined Radius in April 2024 as Senior Housing Officer, ASB (Intervention and Prevention). Radius has a challenging job in that she works across five different housing management teams to provide support and assistance across complex and challenging individual ASB cases and difficult to manage schemes. This is across both our independent living and general needs schemes. Linzi has demonstrated her interpersonal skills and ability to work across different areas and management styles. 

Over the past year, Linzi has demonstrated exceptional achievement across multiple complex and sensitive areas of housing management. She has been instrumental in supporting colleagues through neighbour disputes and high-tension situations, consistently providing clarity on what the organisation can and cannot do. Her calm, knowledgeable approach has prevented escalation into formal complaints and maintained positive tenant relationships.

Linzi has also guided colleagues through legal and procedural challenges, She provides prompt, practical advice and signposts specialist support when needed, empowering colleagues to act confidently, lawfully, and ethically. Her contribution has strengthened organisational capability and ensured that processes are followed with integrity and professionalism.

2. Evidence of Passion, Drive, and Commitment to Ethics

Linzi’s work consistently reflects a deep commitment to ethical practice, professional standards, and the values of the housing sector. She demonstrates exceptional sensitivity and professionalism when managing concerns around tenant safety and wellbeing. Her proactive follow-up after meetings, individual engagement with tenants, and thoughtful communication have de-escalated tensions and restored trust within communities.

She also invests in developing colleagues, delivering training sessions on antisocial behaviour and system use. These sessions have increased confidence, knowledge, and consistency across teams, extending her positive impact beyond individual cases. Colleagues describe her as reliable, approachable, and highly supportive – someone who makes complex work achievable and understandable.

Linzi recently presented to CIH All Ireland conference on resilience in housing and her experience to date. Linzi has shown through the various challenges she has faced in her time with Radius how she uses her resilience and has been a source of learning and support for other staff on how they can too. In an ever evolving world of housing this is important that staff are able to reflect on their own resilience. 

Linzi has made a measurable difference to the wider community through targeted tenant engagement and practical solutions to improve behaviour and atmosphere in housing schemes. She has led initiatives such as the development of anti-harassment materials, directly improving tenant wellbeing and reinforcing positive community standards.

Outcomes and achievements

Linzi’s collaborative approach with partner agencies, including the Community PSNI, demonstrates outstanding commitment to community safety. Police colleagues highlight her integrity, thoughtfulness, and genuine care for both residents and outcomes. Joint work with Linzi has been recognised externally, with one project shortlisted for a regional problem-solving award within PSNI, showcasing her ability to deliver lasting improvements through partnership.

The results at Candahar speak for themselves, since Linzi commenced a pilot with the PSNI the stats show:

• 64 per cent reduction in response PSNI calls
• 74 per cent reduction in ASB reports to Radius
• Zero evictions/legal action against tenancies 

Constable Helen Gillespie, who worked closely with Linzi on issues at Candahar Lodge, has said the following:

“Linzi’s relationship with South Belfast Neighbourhood Policing Team was instrumental in bringing about change and improvement for residents of Candahar Lodge. Linzi was committed to helping Police and residents find lasting solutions to their issues. She displays thoughtfulness, integrity and care about her job”.

Overall, Linzi exemplifies the qualities of a housing professional who goes above and beyond. Her achievements, ethical practice, and dedication to tenants, colleagues, and communities demonstrate her exceptional contribution to the housing sector. She is highly deserving of recognition as Housing Professional of the Year. 

• Individual nominated: Megan Hanna
• Organisation: Choice Housing

Statement of support

Megan Hanna joined Choice as a Housing Officer to deliver high-quality, customer-focused housing management services to residents living in general needs, sheltered and supported housing accommodation.

From the outset, Megan demonstrated a clear commitment to professionalism, a passion for housing and a drive for improving the community she serves.

Megan’s background experience was not gained from a social housing setting. Nevertheless, she took personal responsibility for developing her knowledge and understanding of social housing management. She proactively sought to learn about every aspect of the role, ensuring she could provide an informed, responsive and customer-focused service. This commitment to continuous learning has been evident throughout her time within Choice.

Megan has successfully managed a number of difficult housing patches and schemes. At one particular challenging scheme Megan developed and managed weekly housing clinics to address antisocial behaviour, support those with addiction issues and encourage tenants to report issues for resolution. Each week Megan is on site to meet with tenants and makes arrangements for partner agencies to be present to provide support and assistance to residents seeking help. Through these interventions Megan has gained and built the trust of residents and the local community, she has also developed relationships with local Police and statutory agencies. Megan is a true professional who has shown adaptability and resilience when taking on the challenge of turning around a difficult scheme and increasing engagement with tenants, while maintaining consistent performance.

Megan regularly meets and exceeds key performance indicators, demonstrating strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a clear focus on achieving positive outcomes for customers.

Megan was also successful in her application to become the first candidate from Choice to participate in the GEM Programme. This programme provides intensive development opportunities for housing professionals, and Megan has completed all required modules of study and site visits in line with the programme requirements. Her participation reflects a strong commitment to both personal development and contributing positively to the wider housing sector.

As part of the GEM Programme, Megan was required to identify and address an issue relating to homelessness. Demonstrating initiative and innovation, Megan independently developed a training programme in collaboration with Belfast Metropolitan College. This programme focuses on improving understanding and awareness of homelessness and represents a practical and sustainable response to a complex housing issue.

Alongside her involvement in the GEM Programme, Megan has been studying towards the Chartered Institute of Housing level four qualification. This qualification further enhances her understanding of housing sector challenges and supports her professional development as a Housing Officer. Notably, Megan has undertaken this level of study while continuing to manage a full-time housing patch and fulfil all aspects of her role.

Megan’s Manager, Stephen Adair, commented: “Megan is a real asset to the team and uses her own initiative to resolve problems. She has demonstrated exceptional commitment to her professional development in Housing Management through her engagement with CIH training and participation in the GEM Programme (the first candidate to represent Choice Housing in this forum). Her dedication to learning and professional growth, alongside her ability to deliver excellent customer service, make her a deserving candidate for this award.”

Megan has had a truly outstanding year, one where she has:

• Demonstrated her passion and drive for housing
• Gained and built trust with the residents and the local community
• Delivered exceptional housing management services
• Achieved success in her professional development and level of study
• Developed a training programme in collaboration with Belfast Metropolitan College that heightens an understanding and awareness of homelessness, and represents a practical and sustainable response to a complex housing issue.

Outcomes and achievements

Megan has demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation, and effectiveness in her role through:

• Successfully managing a difficult housing scheme which had little engagement from resident and introduced weekly housing clinics which has increased engagement and reduced ASB. Whilst, consistently achieving key performance indicators and maintaining high service standards.
• Adapting quickly to new areas of responsibility, ensuring continuity of service and positive outcomes for customers.
• Being selected as the Association’s first participant in the GEM Programme, and successfully completing the required modules of study and site visits.
• Developing a homelessness-focused training programme in collaboration with Belfast Metropolitan College, delivering a practical and sustainable project outcome.
• Progressing towards the Chartered Institute of Housing level four qualification while continuing to manage a full housing patch and line management responsibilities.

• Individual nominated: Tanaka Karanda
• Organisation: Radius

Statement of support

I am delighted to nominate Tanaka Karanda for the Housing Professional of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership, tenant centred service, embody the very highest standards of our sector. 

With over 15 years of experience across homelessness services, independent living schemes, and frontline housing management, Tanaka has consistently demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and innovation in every aspect of his practice.

Excellence in Support and Advocacy

Tanaka’s career began at Springwell House, where he supported men recovering from alcohol and drug misuse. From the outset, he demonstrated a respectful, person-centred approach that helped build trust with some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community. Tanaka went far beyond his formal responsibilities - advocating for clients, navigating complex barriers, and ensuring access to secure housing, healthcare, mental health services, and long-term support pathways. Many individuals who had previously disengaged from services made meaningful progress because of Tanaka’s patience, consistency, and belief in their potential. His work at Springwell House remains a powerful example of how compassionate, persistent advocacy can transform outcomes.

Tanaka joined Radius 11 years ago, working in several roles within the organisation, including supporting older tenants in a Peripatetic Scheme Coordinator role and being a first responder with Radius Connect 24 dealing with emergencies in housing developments throughout Ireland. 

Outstanding Achievement: Coordination of a Complex Decant 

In his current role as a Housing Officer with Radius, Tanaka played a pivotal role in successfully coordinating the full decant of 44 tenants from a block of apartments with historical high level anti-social behaviour to facilitate urgent extensive refurbishment works. This was a significant undertaking that demanded exceptional organisation, collaboration, and tenant focus.

Tanaka personally engaged with every tenant, many of whom had specific vulnerabilities. He clearly explained the decant process, assessed needs, resolved concerns, and secured suitable accommodation. He collaborated proactively with other Housing Providers, Social Services, and Estate Agents to ensure each tenant’s requirements were fully understood and met. Throughout this period, Tanaka continued to manage a geographically dispersed housing patch without compromising service quality. His calm professionalism, empathy, and problem-solving skills ensured the decant was delivered within the required timeframe and with strong tenant satisfaction. This achievement stands as a testament to his leadership and ability to manage high pressure projects with excellence. 

Managing Complex Housing Challenges

Tanaka manages several challenging general needs schemes, supporting tenants with complex circumstances including severe hoarding behaviours and significant property condition issues. His approach focuses on dignity, respect, and appropriate support - enabling tenants to sustain their tenancies and improve their wellbeing.

He has also led the effective management of serious antisocial behaviour cases, navigating highly sensitive situations with fairness and a strong commitment to community safety. Tanaka brings confidence, innovation, and sound judgement to complex casework, consistently achieving positive outcomes through collaboration with partners including the PSNI, CRJNI, statutory agencies, and legal representatives.

Commitment to Professional Excellence and Continuous Improvement

Beyond his direct caseload, Tanaka is a champion of continuous improvement within his team. He actively shares learning, supports colleagues, and mentors new staff members, promoting accountability and excellence. His leadership is grounded in clear communication, and consistently providing high-quality housing services.

Tanaka embodies the core qualities of an outstanding housing professional. He is values driven; tenant focused and consistently goes above and beyond in service of his tenants, colleagues, and community. His work has delivered measurable impact, improved lives, and strengthened trust in housing services. He is respected not only for what he achieves but for how he achieves it: with fairness and a focus on people.

Outcomes and achievements

Achievements 

• Completed 100 per cent of decant moves on schedule, with no missed deadlines.
• Ensured all 44 tenants were placed in appropriate accommodation.
• Achieved 92 per cent tenant satisfaction rate, measured through post move feedback.
• Reduced disruption time by 30 per cent through proactive planning and partnership working.

This project is a standout example of Tanaka’s ability to lead large-scale operational activity while maintaining exceptional standards of care and communication.

Tanaka achieved a 40 per cent reduction in repeat ASB incidents across some of the most challenging cases.

• Supported tenants with hoarding or significant property condition issues, leading to 75 per cent of affected households showing sustained improvement following intervention.
• Resolved multiple high risk ASB cases in collaboration with PSNI, CRJNI, statutory partners and legal representatives, reducing community risk and improving neighbourhood cohesion.

Tenant endorsement "I was extremely anxious when I was advised that I needed to decant from my home. Tanaka explained the process in simple terms and ensured that I found secure temporary accommodation and assisted me with the move. He has continued to keep me up to date with the project and I am looking forward to returning to my refurbished home in spring 2026" TMcK

• Individual nominated: John Barrett
• Organisation: The Iveagh Trust

Statement of support

John began his housing journey with the Iveagh Trust over 14 years ago. He began his career as a caretaker in the Bull Alley Estate in the heart of Dublin city. Through mentorship and training he progressed to Deputy Estates Manager and is now the Estates Manager for The Trust’s Southside Estates. This amounts to 693 homes in total.

Although John is an Estates Manager he works across all teams to ensure the success of the organisation's new schemes. The Trust is experiencing an unprecedented level of growth so this is no mean feet. He has taken on an additional 420 homes in the past 12 months as well as his own patch. John works on the ground with the tenants as well as behind the scenes with the maintenance, development and assets departments to ensure tenants have the best service possible. 

John’s commitment to introducing streamlined processes, supporting staff with professional development and promoting excellent customer service demonstrate the ethos of the Iveagh Trust and solidify him as a true housing professional. John is also every body's go to person for advice on best practice.

Outcomes and achievements

In 2025 John took on the challenge of setting up a new estate, Stonemount Park, in Ballyfermot. Stonemount Park consists of three blocks of apartments. There are 420 homes in total which house individuals and families from the Local Authority Housing List. John leads a team of seven onsite staff who run the Stonemount estate. He has taken the lead on all elements of the estate set up including landscaping, relations with the Developer and community engagement. Some of the first meetings organised in Stonemount have been with local community leaders including Ballyfermot Youth Service.

John and Stonemount Park have been an ICSH awards finalist in the Best Community Housing Development category and a KPMG Property Industry Excellence Awards Winner for Best Housing Development. 

John is a CIH member and has completed his level four qualification. He demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development and led the CIH futures group in 2024. 

• Individual nominated: Claire Darby
• Organisation: Clanmil Housing

Statement of support

Claire Darby is an exceptional housing professional whose work over the past 12 months demonstrates outstanding commitment, innovation, and effectiveness within the housing sector. With over 30 years’ experience in housing and five years at Clanmil, Claire consistently goes above and beyond her role as Senior Engagement Officer, placing tenants at the heart of everything she does while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.

Over the last year, Claire has continued to lead and strengthen Clanmil’s customer engagement framework, ensuring that customer voice is meaningfully embedded in organisational decision-making rather than treated as a tick-box exercise. Through forums such as the new Customer Committee of the Board, Customer Council, Service Improvement Panels, Local Engagement Forums, and the Customer Conference, she has led and supported the creation of inclusive and supportive spaces where customers feel confident to engage directly with staff and senior leadership. One customer described Claire as being “at the forefront of my experience,” highlighting how her approach has transformed customer involvement from passive consultation into active partnership.

A defining feature of Claire’s work is her commitment to inclusion and equality. Over the past 12 months, she has continued to identify and remove barriers that prevent customers from participating. For example, by securing Lottery funding for digital devices and training she has ensured that people who are digitally excluded are not left behind. As one customer noted, Claire “goes above and beyond with calls, emails and texts – even on her day off,” demonstrating her determination to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to be heard.

Claire is highly effective at translating customer feedback into tangible service improvements. Over the past year, she has worked closely with operational teams, particularly Maintenance, to ensure that tenant insight directly informed service improvements and contract reviews for services such as grounds maintenance and window cleaning. Customers consistently see the impact of their involvement, with one noting that Claire does not simply listen but ensures that feedback “leads to visible, meaningful outcomes.” This follow-through has strengthened trust and confidence in Clanmil. 

Her commitment to customers extends beyond formal engagement structures. Claire is known for her exceptional follow-through and personal dedication, ensuring that issues raised are progressed and resolved rather than overlooked. She acts as a trusted advocate for customers, while maintaining strong professional relationships across the organisation. Initiatives such as Clanmil in Bloom, demonstrate how she turns customer ideas into tangible improvements that strengthen neighbourhoods. 

Claire’s passion and empathy are consistently highlighted by customers. Many speak of the confidence she has helped them build and the sense of value she gives to their contribution. One customer described how Claire’s support helped them feel “confident and able to state my case where necessary,” illustrating her empowering approach. Another stated, “She eats, breathes and sleeps customer engagement… if there was no Claire Darby, it just wouldn’t be the same.” Feedback from customers regularly refers to how Claire’s encouragement made them feel included, supported, and able to shape services that affect their lives.

Internally, Claire’s influence has helped embed a customer-focused culture across Clanmil. By involving colleagues from multiple departments in engagement activity, she ensures customer voice is understood and valued across the organisation, contributing to continuous improvement and better outcomes for customers.

For her outstanding personal contribution over the past 12 months, her ethical leadership, and her unwavering commitment to improving services, communities, and the housing sector, Claire Darby is a highly deserving recipient of this award.

Outcomes and achievements

Over the past 12 months, Claire Darby has delivered measurable outcomes that have strengthened both service delivery and community confidence across Clanmil.

Claire has ensured that customer engagement activity directly influences operational practice. Feedback gathered through engagement forums has been systematically analysed and fed into service improvement exercises, most notably informing contract reviews for grounds maintenance and window cleaning. As a result, service specifications more accurately reflect tenant priorities, contributing to improved consistency and customer satisfaction.

Her work has also resulted in broader and more representative customer participation. Continued use of Lottery-funded digital devices and skills support has enabled customers who were previously digitally excluded to engage fully in consultations, meetings, and service reviews. This has improved the diversity of customer input and ensured decision-making is informed by a wider range of lived experiences.

Claire has supported the successful delivery of community-led initiatives, including the development of Clanmil in Bloom, which has enhanced shared spaces and strengthened neighbour relationships. These projects have increased customer pride, ownership, and connection to their local area.

In addition, Claire’s collaborative approach has strengthened cross-departmental working, embedding customer insight into day-to-day operations and reinforcing a culture of accountability. Her work over the past year has resulted in more responsive services, stronger tenant trust, and demonstrable improvements to the customer experience.