The CIH Learner of the Year Award celebrates learners studying at CIH approved study centres who have gone beyond expectations, rose above challenges and demonstrated outstanding commitment while working towards their CIH qualification or end point assessment.

The 2026 winner, Steph Wood, who is an income recovery manager at Amplius, studied the CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing with Centre for Partnership through the GEM Programme.

Wood was given the prize after showing a strong sense of dedication to her professional development, and overachieving in both her studies and management position.

The awards panel also chose Wood as the winner because of her increasing confidence, resilience, and capacity to bring about positive change, while navigating major organisational change and personal setbacks. 

The panel also commended her commitment to inclusive leadership, and her capacity to motivate those around her.

CIH engagement officer, Sue Bailey, said: “We have been struck by the enthusiasm to learn, eagerness to improve and all-round positive, can-do attitude shown by all of the learners that have been nominated.

“Well done to Steph, who we chose as the winner from an exceptionally strong field of entries. She embodies all these qualities, and more, with her learning and focus on continuous improvement making a lasting impact on her colleagues.”

Bailey added: “They have collectively used the knowledge she has gained to improve the services they deliver to customers and to enhance organisational ways of working, which is exactly why our CIH qualifications and CIH study centres are in place.

“The high standard of entries that we received this year also highlights to us the promise clearly shown by the next generation of CIH learners as they move ahead with their careers, applying both their learning and the professionalism they have developed into their future roles in the housing sector.”

Looking forward, Wood will get a £50 cash award as well as a certificate of excellence, and she has been nominated for the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) Learner of the Year.