Special Recognition Award – Alison Thompson

Alison Thompson with her award

Each year the Kent Housing Group hosts an annual Awards event, an opportunity to recognise and celebrate all that is ‘Excellent in Kent and Medway related to Housing’.  This year, due to the pandemic, KHG had to take the decision to cancel the planned event for November 2020 and plan for something different in early 2021. On the afternoon of Friday 14th May 2021 they hosted their first virtual Awards event. It was all about the Extraordinary!

We’re delighted to announce that our Deputy Development Director, Alison Thompson, has won the Kent Housing Group’s Special Recognition Award 2021. We’re proud to have you on the English Rural team. Thank you for all your hard work in getting affordable rural homes built. Well done, Alison – you deserve it!

A message from your colleages:

Since joining English Rural, Alison has personally been responsible for 31 village developments, providing 225 homes. But over her 25-year career in affordable rural housing, she’s been responsible for many, many more.

Alison is determined and will steadfastly work for a community to bring them much needed affordable homes. This tenacity has encouraged many a Parish Council to overcome fierce objections and secure a legacy for the future of their village.

Alison’s is dedicated to her job and will always go the ‘extra mile’, leaving no stone unturned. She is diligent, dependable, and professional, even during passionate exchanges that often happen when a new housing development is proposed.

Alison – for all your hard work and positivity – thank you.

Alison is a remarkable ‘doer’. She gets things done with an infectious energy and positivity. When others say no, Alison says yes. When she talks about rural housing, Alison gets to the heart of the matter, engaging her audience and capturing their attention. She knows what resonates with those who are listening.

She knows that development is more than bricks and mortar. That it’s about thriving villages and communities. Knowing that someone’s life can be changed by affordable rural housing is what motivates her. That passion fuels her determination and she’s thrilled when residents finally get the keys to their homes.

Alison – we know you’re happy to be an ‘unsung hero’ – but you’re our hero. Thank you.

We know that local needs housing in rural areas is an emotive subject. Alison knows this, and her sheer enthusiasm and positive spirit literally changes hearts and minds.

In meetings, Alison is the one who makes you lean forward and listen. If a meeting is drifting, Alison brings it back on track. When colleagues are flagging, Alison’s energy gets people firing on all cylinders again.

Alison will do everything she can to make sure affordable homes get built in the villages that need them and will work tirelessly with the Parish Councils and the Local Authorities to make these homes a reality.

Alison, we thank you for your commitment, your passion, and your inspiration.

We know Alison is fantastic at her job.

But she also has a great sense of humour and knows when to have fun. She has a fantastic ability to put you at ease, building lasting, trusting relationships with her colleagues and partners.

Alison’s deep sense of social consciousness, resilience and community spirit is reflected in the work she does.

Alison – you deserve this award. You’re a great leader, a friend, a role-model and a jolly nice person to be around. Thank you.