Next Generation Leaders – Sally, Nicola, Sharon & Ola

I have been at WFHA for 8 years. 6 years in Support of Older People in independent living and then Team Leader for The Navigator Hub that supported over 50’s in the borough of Waltham Forest. July 2019 I changed roles and became the Asset Services Manager as from October 2020 I became Head of Asset.

I am in charge of managing service delivery for all maintenance and compliance of our property portfolio from a strategic level managing 2 staff.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I have a passion for music and am a social being.

I have worked for Thurrock Council for 20 years. Starting out as a receptionist and eventually moving into a role in Housing I have worked in tenancy management, sheltered housing and asset management. I became a project manager 4 years ago and am now the delivery manager responsible for all Housing capital projects.

My job title is ‘Capital Programme Delivery Manager’. I have a role in the procurement of and subsequent responsibility to ensure the successful delivery of Housing capital programmes. At present that includes
• Thurrock’s ‘Transforming Homes’ programme which delivers major internal and external refurbishment works to individual dwellings and blocks
• Tower block refurbishment programme which is due to provide EWI, window renewal and associated works to 9 high rise blocks
• Non-traditional property refurbishment project to 76 occupied houses
• Thurrock’s first ground source heat pump installation which will provide more economical and efficient heating to properties in 3 of the boroughs high rise blocks

I play netball regularly and also coach the junior section of the same club which I have done for the last 7 years. I have a lovely dog, a cavapoo named Pippa, who is great company and I really enjoy taking walks with her. I find this the best way to de-stress. I also like to read, which I often do to unwind at the end of the day, although I often struggle to get through a chapter without falling asleep nowadays!

I have worked in the housing sector for nearly 10 years, starting as a Project Manager in Brighton. I have progressed in roles to Programme Manager to Head of Service. I feel very lucky to have worked in various forms of contract and DLOs for organisations of different sizes. I have which has led me to deal with a range of problems across the sector helping me to learn the challenges across all areas of Housing maintenances and investment services.
• Leading the Asset Management Service to programme capital investment works over 3, 5 and 30 year programmes
• Leading the energy team and implementing strategy and programmes for reducing carbon emissions and embodied carbon within the stock
• Leading the new build development team to support from design stage to handover
• Leading policy and strategy for the asset management team
• Managing a team of data experts, policy experts, new build experts and energy experts
• Developing preconstruction resident engagement and leaseholder engagement
• Budget reporting for capital investment for 20,000 properties
• Supporting in procurement of woks packages for capital investment, energy reduction and retrofit and compliance and building safety elements
• Leading on implementation for Asset Management Systems and data management

My experience encompasses over 20 years working in both the public and private sector, in various roles in asset management strategy and major works construction projects delivery.

Areas of expertise include preparation of asset management investment plans, contract management, procurement and project management. I’m experienced in managing building contracts, and working with various stakeholders - residents, government agencies, consultants and contractors.
● Contract Delivery Manager (LB of Hackney - 2016 - present) - manage the delivery of capital major works programme both external and internal refurbishment projects.
● Project Manager (Rands Associates/Contracting - 2012 - 2016) - Planning and managing the delivery of building works.
● Contract Delivery Manager (Places for People - 2010 - 2012) - managing the delivery of asset investment programmes both capital and revenue projects.
● Planning and Performance Manager (Octavia Housing - 2007 - 2010) - Advise on procurement and contracts strategies, including leading tender process for the appointment of consultants and contractors.
● Stock Condition Investment Analyst (Citywest Homes - 2004 - 2007) - Lead on stock condition data and preparation of asset management investment programme.

My role as Contract Delivery Manager is to lead the capital major work team on the delivery of the council’s Housing Asset Investment Programme value up to £ 50m, ensuring that contractors operate and perform in accordance with contract conditions and ensuring that projects are managed in accordance with the principles of the Housing Asset Management Strategy. As part of the manager in the property and asset management team, I play a leading part in ensuring that Hackney Council meets all of its statutory, contractual and regulatory requirements.

Energetic and dedicated professional who enjoys challenges and is innovative and resourceful, always looking for a new idea that will improve upon the current state of affairs. I believe in empowering staff, promoting positive change, committed to the continuous drive to improve service delivery.

I enjoy motoring sport (Formula One) for analysing complex data in order to draw clear and simple conclusion and also working well as part of a team.