Accommodation Concern has won the Workplace Wellbeing Award at the Northamptonshire Business Awards 2026, recognising our commitment to making AC a place where people feel valued, supported and able to be themselves.
The award was announced at the ceremony on 11 September. For a team supporting people through homelessness, debt, poverty and distressing situations, looking after one another is an essential part of doing the work well.
Care for the people who care for others
Every day, our colleagues listen, advocate, solve problems and help people find a way forward. That work makes a difference, but it can also carry an emotional weight. The care we show people coming through our doors needs to extend to the colleagues working beside us.
Over the past year, we have continued to build that commitment into everyday working life: paying the real Living Wage, upgrading our Employee Assistance Programme to include access to virtual GP appointments, and making space for staff to have a voice.
Wellbeing also means having time together. Sometimes that looks like a game of rounders at Meadow Lane park on a Friday morning: getting outside, having a laugh and giving ourselves permission to pause as a team.
A culture built together
Erica Knight, Executive Director of Accommodation Concern, said:
“I am incredibly proud that Accommodation Concern has received the Workplace Wellbeing Award. For us, wellbeing is not simply about policies or individual initiatives—it is about creating a culture where people feel genuinely valued, supported and cared for. We know that when we look after our staff, they are better able to provide the compassion and support our clients and residents deserve. This award belongs to our whole team and recognises the part every colleague plays in making AC such a positive place to work.”
AC's CEO, John Perry, highlighted why that support matters in demanding frontline roles:
“Our team’s work is difficult. Every day, they support people facing homelessness, debt, poverty and some incredibly distressing situations. They listen, advocate, problem-solve and care deeply. That takes its toll. You don’t always leave everything you’ve heard and dealt with at the office door.
“Looking after our people has to be part of how we run AC.”
There is always more to do. We will keep listening to our people, learning from their experiences and improving the support around them. This award is a moment to recognise what the whole team has built together.