PlaceShapers welcomes EPIC as a new member
13 May 2026
As we continue to strengthen tenant influence, grow partnerships and deepen our impact across the communities we serve, we’re looking forward to learning from others and contributing our own experiences and insights.
EPIC has become the newest member of PlaceShapers, the national network of place-shaping housing organisations committed to supporting thriving communities and places.
EPIC owns and manages around 1,400 homes across Stoke-on-Trent and neighbouring areas, providing social and affordable housing alongside services that support the wider well-being of tenants and communities.
Tracey Johnson, Chief Executive of EPIC, said: “Joining PlaceShapers feels like a natural fit for EPIC. We are proud to be a community-based organisation with strong local roots, and we share PlaceShapers’ belief that housing associations should do more than provide homes – they should help shape stronger, healthier and more connected communities.
“As we continue to strengthen tenant influence, grow partnerships and deepen our impact across the communities we serve, we’re looking forward to learning from others across the network and contributing our own experiences and insights.”
Matthew Walker, Chair of the Board at PlaceShapers, said: “PlaceShapers supports and enables organisations to fulfil their place-shaping ambitions. The diversity of our membership is a huge strength - every member brings different experiences and perspectives, but we are all united by a commitment to place and a commitment to learning.
“We always welcome applications from organisations who can demonstrate a strategic commitment to place-shaping and a keenness to learn and collaborate. EPIC’s strong local roots and clear dedication to its communities make it a very welcome addition.
“We are excited to welcome Tracey and the team to PlaceShapers, to learn from EPIC’s experience in Stoke-on-Trent and to share ideas and insight that will support EPIC on its place-shaping journey.”
PlaceShapers brings together organisations that share a deep, long-term commitment to people and place. Members work together to influence national policy, share best practice and champion the value of locally focused housing associations.
Membership is agreed by the PlaceShapers Board of nine chief executives representing the diversity of its membership. The application is assessed based on the housing organisation demonstrating that it:
- Has a long-standing commitment to the places itoperatesand how it strives to improve the social and economic resilience of the communities it works with.
- Puts residents and customers at the centre of what it does and ensures they have real influence on the organisation.
- Is locally focused and works actively with local authorities and local partners to improve and shape places at a strategic and operational level.
- Builds homes that respond to local housing needs and provides more than just landlord services because it cares about the people and places where itworks.