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For 25 years, Julie Layton has been a transformative force at the specialist supported housing provider Advance. As chief executive, she leads with compassion, purpose and a vision to improve the lives of disabled adults and people with mental health conditions. Julie has driven the development of high-quality supported housing and services that enable people to live independently with dignity.

She has tackled funding challenges head-on, spearheaded creative housing solutions, and consistently championed better outcomes for customers. Under her stewardship, Advance has grown in reach and impact, delivering homes and improving the lives of countless people. In 2023, Julie marked a quarter of a century with Advance alongside the organisation’s 50th anniversary by celebrating the improvements made in support and housing with her team – which includes many women she has supported and inspired over the years – and the customers for whom she cares so deeply. Today, Julie continues to drive positive change across the sector.

Her dedication, strategic vision and commitment to people make her a standout candidate for Woman of the Year.

The judges said:

“What an impact – dedicating 25 years of her career to a vital area of the housing sector and making a real difference to people’s lives. Excellent passion and commitment”