Build Her

We’re delighted to announce a new partnership between Novus Property Solutions and PfP Thrive, as we come together to launch an exciting initiative: The BuildHer Programme.

BuildHer is a six‑week, sector‑focused training programme designed to support female social housing customers who are ready to take their next step back into employment or gain new skills. This programme will give learners a clear and realistic insight into what it’s like to work within property services and maintenance roles across the housing sector — from practical skills and trade awareness to confidence building and employability development.

Our pilot cohort begins this June, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome our first group of women into the programme.

“Launching BuildHer is a proud moment for all of us. At PfP Thrive, we are committed to creating genuine pathways that empower customers to move forward with confidence, and this programme does exactly that. By working in partnership with Novus, we’re opening doors to careers that have historically felt out of reach for many women. BuildHer is about more than skills development — it’s about representation, opportunity, and showing women that they have every right to thrive in these roles. I’m thrilled to see our first cohort begin their journey this June, and I’m excited for the lasting impact this programme will have across our communities.”
— Jen Radcliffe, Head of Partnerships, PfP Thrive

This initiative has been created with one shared ambition:

To put customers first by opening doors into careers they may never have felt were for them.

While women make up a significant proportion of the social housing workforce overall, female representation in property services and maintenance remains extremely low. This underrepresentation limits both career opportunities for women and the diversity, innovation, and lived experience that the sector relies on to deliver high‑quality, customer‑centred services.

That’s why BuildHer aims to shine a spotlight on these career pathways, challenge outdated perceptions about “who belongs” in the trades, and empower more women to explore roles that offer stability, progression, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Our long‑term ambition is to partner with housing providers across the country, enabling them to offer BuildHer directly to their customers and widen participation in a sector that urgently needs new talent, new voices, and greater diversity.

We’re incredibly proud to be launching this programme together and to play a part in supporting women into sustainable careers that build confidence, skills, and brighter futures.

“BuildHer was born from a belief that construction and property services should be careers women feel confident stepping into, not spaces they feel excluded from. For too long, outdated perceptions have told women these roles aren’t for them, despite the stability, progression and purpose they offer. Through BuildHer, we’re breaking down those barriers building confidence, developing real, practical skills, and showing women that they absolutely belong in this sector. I’m incredibly proud to be launching this programme in partnership with PfP Thrive and to welcome our first cohort this June as we take a bold step towards a more diverse, inclusive and customer centred workforce that truly reflects the communities we serve.”

— Sophie Seddon, Director at Novus Property Solutions