To continue our support of Elly Hoult’s ‘Choose Housing’ CIH presidential campaign, we’re sharing another blog written by one of our friends and comms contacts from the housing sector.
We want to continue to share how great a career in housing comms can be, as well as offer some tips and insights for anyone considering a role in the sector.
David Kingsley, Housing Practitioner
I didn’t plan to work in housing, but looking back, it feels like it was always meant to be.
Growing up in social housing in South West London, I saw firsthand how much where you live impacts every aspect of life. Housing instability, overcrowding, and the constant stress of not knowing what comes next were part of my early experiences. Later, facing youth homelessness shifted my perspective even further—I saw how the system often fails people when they need it most, and how housing is deeply connected to health, employment, and stability.
Those experiences shaped how I work today. Housing isn’t just about a place to live—it’s about security, opportunity, and dignity. That’s why I’m committed to making sure that housing services don’t just exist, but actually work for the people who rely on them.
Before moving into housing, I worked in financial services, retail, and hospitality—roles that strengthened my skills in financial resilience, problem-solving, and working with people. I didn’t realise then how valuable these skills would be in this sector. Over time, I transitioned into youth and community engagement, before shifting towards housing and advocacy. I became a Certified Housing Practitioner (CertCIH) and now support vulnerable individuals and families on a freelance basis, helping them navigate housing systems, overcome financial barriers, and access secure accommodation.
Housing is about people, and that’s why resident engagement is so important to me. As a Resident Panel Member for the Housing Ombudsman Service, I work to improve landlord services and complaints processes, making sure that tenants’ voices aren’t just heard, but actually lead to action. I also work with A2Dominion Group, using my experience as a keyworker housing resident to improve resident engagement and digital services, ensuring tenant voices shape service improvements.
Beyond individual services, I also focus on housing policy and advocacy. I’ve contributed to Shelter’s Strategic Plan, ensuring that lived experience shapes future strategies in homelessness services. As a Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Board, I help drive diversity and inclusion in the housing sector, ensuring policies and practices reflect the needs of all communities. I also contribute to CIH Policy Networks, advocating for reforms in homelessness and social security.
Housing has also been central to my work with young people, particularly care leavers and those at risk of homelessness. Whether it’s supporting them with budgeting, job readiness, or independent living skills, my focus is on empowerment and long-term stability.
So why housing? Because it’s about people. It’s about security, fairness, and making sure that everyone—no matter their background—has access to a home they can truly call their own.
If you’re thinking about working in housing, I’d say: go for it. It’s one of the most challenging, rewarding, and important sectors you can be part of. The housing crisis isn’t just about a lack of homes—it’s about inequality, affordability, and access. And if you care about real, meaningful change, this is one of the best places to make it happen.
For me, housing isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. It shaped my past, drives my present, and fuels my commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives.
