Welsh Housing Awards 2025
Read all the shortlisted entries into this award category, young achiever in housing, at the Welsh Housing Awards (WHA) 2025 and find out who won the award on the night.
This award celebrates individuals who can demonstrate that they have shown passion, commitment and flair in delivering services for tenants and residents.
This award was sponsored by Tai Tarian.
Winner
Rory Clapham from Hafod
Statement of support
Rory Clapham, a 26-year-old decarbonisation project surveyor at Hafod, has demonstrated exceptional passion, commitment, and talent, making a significant impact on both the organisation and its tenants. Starting as a graduate surveyor, Rory has quickly become an inspirational leader in Hafod’s ambitious journey toward a greener future. His innovative, data-driven approach to tackling the Welsh housing stock's decarbonisation challenge exemplifies the best of emerging talent in the sector.
Rory's journey to becoming a leader in decarbonisation began whilst he moved successfully from a graduate surveyor to a stock condition surveyor. Quickly gaining qualifications as a domestic energy accessor, retrofit assessor and a Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings. Rory successfully delivered a major Solar PV installation to 59 flats at Ty Cwm, an extra care scheme in Merthyr as part of the Welsh government’s Optimised Retrofit Programme.
He then fully embraced the requirement for retrofit projects to be completed to a high standard of compliance by becoming a qualified retrofit coordinator. Following the allocation of further grant funding to Hafod, Rory was pivotal in a major project which resulted in 550 homes receiving Solar PV Panels as well as some homes receiving Batteries, Wall and Loft Insulation. Rory's creative thinking has not only saved Hafod significant time and resources but has also maximised the impact of every pound spent on decarbonisation.
Since joining Hafod, Rory has shown a relentless pursuit of excellence. He’s been at the forefront of implementing new technologies and methodologies to enhance service delivery. His work extends beyond technical surveys; he actively engages with tenants, seeking their input and ensuring they understand the benefits of the decarbonisation projects. For example, during a pilot retrofitting project, Rory created simple, easy-to-understand information packs for residents, explaining the process and the expected improvements in their homes' comfort and energy bills. This focus on clear communication has significantly increased tenant buy-in and satisfaction.
Rory has championed a "lessons learned" culture within his team. He regularly organises workshops to review project outcomes, both good and bad, ensuring that every completed project serves as a learning opportunity. This continuous improvement mindset has led to more efficient and effective project delivery, reducing disruption for tenants and increasing the quality of the work.
An inspiration to others
Rory’s dedication and enthusiasm are infectious. He serves as a mentor to new graduate surveyors, sharing his knowledge and inspiring them to think creatively about the challenges facing the housing sector. His colleagues describe him as a passionate and approachable leader who is always willing to go the extra mile. He has also become a recognised voice within the wider Welsh housing community, presenting at industry events and sharing Hafod's best practices in decarbonisation. By successfully bridging the gap between technical surveying and strategic project management, Rory has become a role model for young professionals. He demonstrates that a career in housing offers the opportunity to drive meaningful, positive change, not just for an organisation but for the wider community and the environment. His achievements at such a young age make him a truly deserving candidate for the CIH Welsh Housing Awards' young achiever of the year.
Outcomes and achievements
- 2020 - Graduated from USW with a Degree in Project Management (Surveying)
- 2020 - Employed by Hafod as a graduate building surveyor
- 2021 - Promoted to stock condition specialist
- 2022 - Qualified as a domestic energy assesor
- 2023 - Qualified as a retrofit assesor - Delivered a renewable energy project to 59 properties in a sheltered housing complex
- 2024 - Promoted to project surveyor (decarbonisation) - Delivered a renewable energy project to 496 properties
- 2025 - Qualified as a retrofit coordinator - Delivered a renewable energy project to 110 properties at the time of submission.
Shortlisted entries
Tomas Davies - Caredig Ltd
Application entry
- Individual nominated: Tomas Davies
- Organisation: Caredig Ltd
Statement of support
Tomas Davies, apprentice project officer, age 23
Tomas joined Caredig as an apprentice project officer and has quickly become an invaluable member of our decarbonisation team. Currently studying part-time for a BSc (Hons) in Construction Project Management at the University of South Wales in Pontypridd, Tomas has consistently demonstrated initiative, professionalism, and a deep commitment to placing tenants at the heart of our sustainability journey.
Despite his academic focus on project management, Tomas has taken on the role of lead tenant liaison for our decarbonisation projects. He has shown a natural ability to communicate complex technical information in a clear and reassuring way, helping tenants understand and embrace new technologies such as air source heat pumps and solar panels.
Tomas regularly attends tenant coffee mornings, listens to concerns, and provides tailored guidance to ensure tenants feel informed and supported. His empathetic approach has helped build trust and foster engagement, particularly among those who may be anxious about change.
In addition to his frontline engagement, Tomas has used data to monitor environmental improvements across our housing stock. He liaises with contractors and environmental specialists to evidence the benefits of decarbonisation works, drawing on source data to track trends and reassure tenants. He works closely with colleagues in housing and property services to ensure that insights from this data are acted upon, helping to drive continuous improvement and tenant satisfaction.
Tomas also represents the assets and compliance department as part of Caredig Connectors—a cross-organisational group of staff and leadership members focused on promoting staff wellbeing and creating a positive working environment. His contributions to this group reflect his collaborative spirit and commitment to making a difference not just for tenants, but for his colleagues too.
Outcomes and achievements
Tenant engagement champion: Tomas has led tenant engagement on multiple decarbonisation projects, resulting in improved satisfaction scores and reduced complaints.
Data-driven impact: He has used environmental performance data to demonstrate the benefits of sustainability measures, helping tenants feel confident and informed.
Trusted communicator: His ability to explain technical concepts in plain language has helped tenants embrace change and feel reassured.
Team player: Tomas supports colleagues across departments, often stepping outside his role to assist with communications, event planning, and feedback analysis.
Wellbeing advocate: Through his work with Caredig Connectors, Tomas promotes staff wellbeing and contributes to a positive organisational culture.
Positive feedback: Tenants and colleagues alike have praised Tomas for his professionalism, kindness, and dedication. One tenant recently said: “I was worried about all the changes, but Tomas took the time to explain everything and even came back to check on me after the work was done. He’s really great.”
Tomas is a shining example of what the next generation of housing professionals can achieve. His passion for sustainability, commitment to tenant wellbeing, and collaborative approach make him a deserving candidate for the CIH young achiever in housing award.
