We have been officially recognised as one of the UK’s Top 50 Best Workplaces™ 2026 by Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture, leading the way with North East employers and Housing Associations across the country.
The prestigious recognition reflects our continued focus on building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to do their best work. The achievement is based on confidential feedback from colleagues who took part in the Great Place To Work® Trust Index survey in November, which measures levels of trust, pride and enjoyment at work.
All colleagues were invited to share their views as part of the survey, ensuring that the recognition is driven by genuine colleague experience. Within the survey, 78% of colleagues said that they think Gentoo is a Great Place to Work, with 91% saying they are made to feel welcome when they join the organisation.
Within the organisation, we have recently introduced:
· A new financial wellbeing toolkit, offering support at every life stage – including NE First Credit Union and the Mortgage Advice Bureau
· A brand‑new recognition programme, shining a spotlight on the colleagues that make a difference everyday
· New technology investment, including Copilot and Microsoft tablets for frontline colleagues
· More ways for colleagues to have their say, with expanded communication channels including Workvivo
· A new Housing Academy, opening up learning and development opportunities for all front line housing colleagues
Susan Fulton, Executive Director of Customer, People and Engagement, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for Gentoo, and I’m incredibly proud of every colleague across the organisation. We’re committed to creating a culture where people feel supported, valued and genuinely enjoy coming to work.
We know that when our colleagues thrive, they’re able to deliver the very best service for our customers. I’d like to thank everyone for their continued hard work and commitment, and we’re excited to keep building an even better place to work together. To help us become the best social housing provider in the country.”
Adam Gawne, Health and Safety Advisor, said: “I love the genuine sense of care you get at Gentoo. The organisation is invested in every colleague so they can thrive in their career and that for me makes it a Great Place to Work.”
Great Place to Work, said: “At Great Place To Work our mission is to help every workplace become a great place to work for all. We wholeheartedly endorse that what's 'better for business' aligns with what's 'better for people,' ultimately contributing to a better world For All™" said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place To Work UK.
“Year after year, it's truly inspiring to witness a growing number of organisations earn a spot on our UK’s Best Workplaces List. We’ve seen an increase yet again in Trust Index scores which means the bar has been raised and this accreditation is a significant and tremendous accomplishment. The UK’s Best Workplaces excel in creating consistently great experiences for all employees through fostering high levels of trust, pride and camaraderie to fuel increased organisational performance. These crucial elements collectively contribute to creating cultures where employees feel they can truly be themselves and thrive in a supportive and caring environment. Congratulations to Gentoo for achieving a place on our 2026 UK’s Best Workplaces List."
Great Place To Work performed rigorous evaluations of hundreds of employee survey responses alongside Culture Audit™ submissions from leaders at each company to create the 2026 UK's Best Workplaces List. They then used these data insights to benchmark the effectiveness of companies' employee value propositions against the culture their employees actually experience. Only those businesses who achieve the highest scores after evaluation receive Best Workplaces status.
Last month, Gentoo also were recognised in the Housing Today, Good Employer Guide. You can find out more here: https://www.housingtoday.co.uk/good-employer-guide
