Our Chief Executive has received Silver at inaugural Harry's Pledge Awards

Our Chief Executive Emma Palmer has received a Silver Award in recognition of her work to promote accessibility, inclusion and positive change for disabled people and carers.  

Emma was recognised in the Inspirational Individual category at the inaugural Harry's Pledge Awards, held in Chester on Thursday 29 October.  

The category celebrates people who use their voice, experience or platform to influence policy, raise awareness and create lasting change for carers and disabled people.  

Emma, who joined as our Chief Executive in September, has worked in housing and local government for more than 30 years.  Alongside her role here, she serves as the Disability and Access Ambassador for Housing and has been a longstanding advocate for accessible homes, inclusive services and ensuring lived experience shapes decision making.  

Emma said: "I am genuinely honoured to receive the Silver Award.  Accessibility and inclusion have been central to my work because they shape whether people can live independently, whether carers feel supported and whether our homes and services genuinely work for everyone.  

"No recognition like this belongs to one person.  I have learned so much from disabled customers, carers, colleagues and partners who have shared their experience and challenged us to do better.  This award reflects their contribution too.  

"Harry's Pledge turns words into practical commitments and I am proud to support it.  I look forward to continuing this work at Platform and through my role as Disability and Access Ambassador for Housing."  

Launched in 2020, Harry's Pledge brings organisations together to improve life for people who need care and those who provide it.  

Its commitments include becoming more supportive employers for people with caring responsibilities, creating accessible homes and workplaces, supporting parent carers and promoting care as a valued profession.  

More than 100 organisations have backed the campaign, which works alongside Harry's Pals, a charity providing emotional support and counselling to parents of seriously ill and disabled children.  

The awards celebrated individuals and organisations making a difference across five categories, with proceeds from the event supporting Harry's Pals.  

To find out more about Harry's Pledge and the awards, visit www.harrys-pledge.org.uk. 

Photo caption : Emma Palmer, Chief Executive at Platform Housing Group and Silver Award recipient in the Inspirational individual category at the inaugural Harry's Pledge Awards.