The Elevate Programme

Providing the tools needed to prepare you for your first Chief Executive role.

What is the Elevate Programme?

A significant trend has emerged within the sector in the past year; There is an increasing emphasis on the need to develop our senior leaders in preparation for their first executive or Chief Executive positions. At Neemar Search, we are privileged to offer these senior leaders an exciting program to equip them with the necessary tools to transition into Executive roles.

We aim to provide unmatched development opportunities for senior leaders already working in the Housing Sector. The Elevate Programme has been designed to accelerate the growth of senior leaders within the sector, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in their first Chief Executive or Executive Leadership positions.

The Programme

The seven month program features monthly sessions led by prominent business figures and experts in leadership development. These sessions are tailored to address critical issues faced by chief executives and executive teams. The program culminates in a flagship in-person event in June.

Additionally, the program will pair ambitious individuals with established Chief Executives as mentors. This mentorship aims to enable mentors to share their insights, experiences, and guidance, thereby supporting participants in excelling in their career development.

Applications are now open for our 2026 Cohort.

This year’s programme brings together an exceptional line-up of contributors, alongside a clear developmental structure that supports participants through reflection, strategic thinking, change leadership and organisational impact. Our aim is to equip emerging leaders with the insight, confidence and network to step into executive roles with clarity and purpose.

Alumni Testimonials

I had the privilege of joining the 2025 Elevate Programme cohort, and it proved to be an exceptionally well-structured and genuinely thought-provoking experience. It offered meaningful connections with senior leaders across the sector and paired me with an outstanding mentor. I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking to develop their leadership further.

Matt Foreman, Executive Director of Customer Services, L&Q

The Elevate Programme was something I was proud to be invited to attend. I found the whole programme so beneficial and has enabled me to spend time with colleagues from other organisations, people I might not have met otherwise. Tom and the team are great organisers and commit to doing everything to the very best quality. Thank you Neemar.

Clare Durnin, Chief People and Excellence Officer, Platform Housing Group

I really enjoyed participating in the Elevate programme, particularly being given the opportunity to be mentored by a current Chief Executive in the sector. I found the sessions to be really informative and useful. I also enjoyed working with peers from other housing associations and the ability to discuss our experiences and current challenges. These are relationships I know will continue to grow and develop beyond the programme.

Steve Moseley, Executive Group Director, Governance and Transformation L&Q

I'd highly recommend this programme. It was a great opportunity to work with some inspirational people in the sector to address some of the hot topics affecting all of us. Tom put together some fantastic speakers as well. An opportunity to get off the hamster wheel and have a discussion with a number of leading thinkers in their fields.

Rob Parkes, Chief Financial Officer - Yorkshire Housing

I was fortunate to take part in the Elevate Programme this year, and found it an invaluable opportunity to step back and reflect on the realities of leading complex housing organisations. The programme created space to learn from accomplished, insightful chief executives and to deepen my understanding of what effective leadership looks like in our sector.

My thanks to Tom and Neemar for shaping and delivering such a thoughtful and impactful experience. I’m genuinely grateful to all involved, and would highly recommend the programme to others looking to develop their leadership skills.

Jo Barrett, Executive Director of Strategy, Governance and Assurance at Eastlight Community Homes

If you are interested in hearing more about the programme please get in contact.

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