24housing magazine’s Young Leader of the Year: Top 30 under 30

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

The winner of the first ever 24housing magazine Young Leader of the Year award shows wisdom beyond her years and a focus senior executives would envy.

While the Government’s radical housing reforms will change the way social housing is delivered, allocated and financed, Clair Ord, Customer Insight Manager for Dale and Valley Homes is adamant – it mustn’t be at the expense of customer service.

1. Clair Ord

Clair Ord is a breed of housing professional at risk of dying out. She didn’t come from a university or graduate training programme, but has cut her teeth at the sharp end. She’s been on the receiving end of housing services while running a home, studying, and bringing up her daughter as a single mum.

Six years after arriving in the sector as an apprentice at 22, she is now part of the senior management team at Dale and Valley Homes and studying for a Masters degree. While her background has no doubt given her the gritty determination you need to rise through the ranks of a housing organisation, it’s her humility that underpins her leadership qualities.

As one of the five finalists for the award it’s fair to say that her Q&A reflected a tenaciousness that other candidates lacked; a quality borne out of wanting to better herself for her daughter.

Why should you be crowned 24housing’s Young Leader of the Year, we asked? “You’re asking the wrong person,” she quite rightly told us, before pointing us to the words of her chief executive who had nominated her for the award. Dale and Valley Homes chief executive Peter Chaffer said she had played an important part in helping the company grow from a “zero-star” housing department to “two-star excellent prospects”; helping it earn its place in the Sunday Times Top 100 employers list.

On joining as an apprentice six years ago, she said that the birth of her daughter Chloe-Marie helped her see the bigger picture.

“After the birth of my daughter I reassessed my direction in life and realised I could have a real impact on my own and other people’s lives through a housing career,” she says. “I knew what it was like to be on the receiving end of housing services and truly believed I could make a difference.”

Since that moment, she hasn’t looked backed. The winner of the first ever 24housing magazine Young Leader of the Year award shows wisdom beyond her years and a focus senior executives would envy.

While the Government’s radical housing reforms will change the way social housing is delivered, allocated and financed, Clair Ord, Customer Insight Manager for Dale and Valley Homes is adamant – it mustn’t be at the expense of customer service.

Where she has excelled is in the field of customer involvement, where she has been given the chance to lead and develop a team, successfully embedding the principles into the company.

Recently she has led and developed the group’s framework for tenant scrutiny, alongside a consultation process to produce Dale and Valley Homes’ local offers.

On being a leader, she said: “Your job is to set the direction and create the right conditions. As a leader you can’t know everything. You need to be open and ask people to help you achieve your objectives whilst being clear what you need from them. Hopefully, my team agree that I do this.”

She said moving forward finance and tenure reform will affect the sector but the most fundamental issue over the next 12 months “is not new”.

She said: “How do we make sure we genuinely listen to our customers as individuals, providing services they want, and not those we think they should have? Bluntly, we need to trust the intelligence of our customers and remember that they are the experts living in our properties. Co-regulation is a big step forward in supporting this approach.”

24housing editor Jon Land – who was also a member of the judging panel – said: “This was a really hard competition to judge and deciding a winner from the five shortlisted candidates was incredibly tough.

“For me, what stood out about Clair was her genuine passion for housing. She is someone who understands that building positive relationships with tenants should be absolutely central to a landlords thinking. I am sure her success at Dale & Valley Homes has been helped by the fact that she knows what’s it’s like to be on the receiving end of housing services.

“What is equally impressive is that she has worked her way up the career ladder in double-quick time; starting as an apprentice, in just six years she has moved up to manager level and is already being tipped for even greater things by her chief executive.

“Clair has also been able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of wider housing issues but is always keen to discuss changes to policy in relation to the impact they will have on her customers.

“Finally, the fact her career is driven by her desire to be a good role model for her young daughter is an inspiration to us all.”

2. Yolanda Sissing, Age: 29, Volunteer Coordinator, Peabody

As the Tories fumble around for a definition of the Big Society, perhaps an afternoon with Peabody’s volunteer coordinator Yolanda Sissing might help.

If any of the candidates best articulated the substance behind David Cameron’s blurred vision (we think Big Society means more volunteering but we’re not sure) it was Yolanda.

Her challenge has been embedding that philosophy into her organisation after joining in 2008. Bringing together a team of 200 volunteers, 20 volunteer supervisors, two project facilitators and one apprentice speaks for itself. But it’s her passion and drive – so palpable in her 24housing magazine interview – that made our judges sit up and take note.

Alison Inman, National Federation of ALMOs chair, said she demonstrates the vision of a true leader. “Her work with volunteers is very impressive and something the housing sector as a whole should take note of. Engaging and motivating volunteers can be a complex and challenging task.”

The Chartered Institute of Housing’s Kathy Hanson said her submission had ‘a real sense of mission’ about it.

Nominated by: Alison Henderson, Director of Human Resources, Peabody

“Since joining Peabody in 2008, Yolanda has published our first volunteering strategy, establishing a clear vision to provide volunteering opportunities right across the organisation, involving London’s communities in every facet of our work. She has also successfully attracted funders and external partners within a short time, despite the tough economic climate.”

Inspiration: Nelson Mandela

Key leadership quote: “One has to be the inspiration and director of action, the person in a group that possesses the combination of personality and skills that makes others want to follow your direction.”

Biggest challenge to date: Convincing decision makers in housing about the impact of volunteering within the sector.

3. Caris Henry, Age: 26, Non-executive director, Nottingham City Homes (NCH)

The strategy analyst for MITIE Property Management was the early pacemaker amassing the largest number of online votes and went into the interviews a clear favourite.

An all rounder with a proven ability of grasping financials – and a nice guy to boot – Caris Henry impressed judges with his “maturity of thought”, courage and self-belief – applying to become a board member of NCH at just 20 years of age.

He impressed panel judge Barrington Billings with his rapid career progression. “He has moved very quickly though the ranks being promoted annually for five consecutive years,” he said. “This is a good trait for any future leader, the hunger to make it to the top and to continuously improve year on year.”

Ex-Housing Corporation boss, Steve Douglas, now a partner at Altair, said Caris will have much to give to the sector in the years to come. “A high achiever, with a storming start to his professional career,” he remarked.

Nominated by: Ade Aderogba MBE, Vice Chair, NCH

“Caris was elected on to the Board of Nottingham City Homes in October 2010 and is one of the youngest board members in the UK. He is an excellent committee team player who has a remarkable ability to grasp complex financial details very quickly.”

Inspiration: Martin Luther King

Key leadership quote: “Future leaders will need to articulate and manage risk better.”

Biggest challenge to date: Becoming a board member at 20.

4. Victoria Wright, Age: 29, Programme manager for investment & regeneration, City West Housing Trust

If the term ‘making the best out of a bad situation’ could be applied to any of our candidates – it was City West’s Victoria Wright. Four months into the job and thrown into the deep end – a suspected gas explosion that saw hundreds of City West’s residents evacuated and homes destroyed. Victoria was asked to manage the task and finish group and drew high praise from chief executive Tim Doyle, for her “unflappable approach and strong communication and strategic skills.”

A high achiever, said panel judge Kathy Hanson, in every essence of the word it would appear, as Victoria is leading on a £54 million investment programme to transform the trust’s high-rise housing stock.

Fellow judge Barrington Billings said she has shown huge potential to date “by taking on large complex projects and delivering them successfully”.

Nominated by: Colette McKune, Director of Asset Management, City West Housing Trust

“Victoria was identified by City West as having all the skills needed to reach the top executive level when she was appointed to manage its £14.3 million flagship development project, Barton Village, and its £40 million high-rise regeneration programme. City West believes Victoria has all the skills to become a director in regeneration, investment and asset management en route to leading an organisation as chief executive.”

Inspiration: Karren Brady

Key leadership quote: “Future leaders will need to have the skills to identify and deliver in the commercial sector if they are to be competitive.”

Biggest challenge to date: Tower block investment programme

5. Claire Hogan, Age: 25, Safer estates specialist (ASB enforcement), Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH)

Dealing with anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a tough one. Dealing with ASB in areas of multiple deprivation and stress requires not just tough skin, but a positive proactive attitude – something Claire Hogan impressed our judges with.

Chiming with the Coalition’s plans for ASB – to use more restorative justice – Claire is working hard to embed the principles into LMH’s policies and procedures.

Panel judge Joanna Sedley-Burke said she was “focused on positive effect outcomes and able to demonstrate leadership and motivation,” while fellow judge Janet Hale, Managing Director of Pilkington-Hale Partnerships, was also impressed.

“To deliver an excellent service to individuals and families living in these areas and to do so whilst motivating and inspiring others with her enthusiasm and energy, is definitely worthy of recognition,” she said.

Nominated by: Gerry Brennan, Neighbourhood Initiatives Manager, LMH

“Claire’s inspirational work as a Safer Estates Officer in some of Liverpool’s most deprived wards has made significant strides in changing community perceptions of anti-social behaviour and how to tackle it. She is held in high esteem by LMH’s executive team for the way she takes a proactive, leading role in many complex and extremely sensitive projects; working closely with the legal team on technical points and liaising on the ground with victims and perpetrators of ASB.”

Inspiration: Barrister Paul Burns, Exchange Chambers (Liverpool)

Key leadership quote: “A good leader should always take a positive, proactive approach, embrace change and ‘raise the bar’ for excellence and value for money.”

Biggest challenge: Putting forward case to evict tenant ‘terrorising’ cerebral palsy victim

6. Alex Willey Age: 29 | Graduate Management Trainee | Affinity Sutton

Nominated by: Jeremy Kape, Director of Property Investment, Affinity Sutton

“Alex is leading and coordinating Affinity Sutton’s groundbreaking FutureFit project - a £1.2m two-year retrofitting project designed to test practical approaches to making social housing more energy efficient. Her vision and excellent communication and negotiation skills have been pivotal in getting the project up and running. She has played a key role in engaging residents and getting high profile environmental experts such as the Energy Saving Trust and energy efficiency consultants Font Energy and Camco and supply chain partners on board. As a result of Alex’s hard work FutureFit has been chosen by the Housing Forum as a best practice ‘Demonstration Project.’”

7. Edward Evans Age: 29 | Policy Manager | Ashram Housing Association

Nominated by: Jas Bains MBE, Chief Executive, Ashram Housing Association

“Edward has played an important role in developing a number of new initiatives through which he has demonstrated his leadership capabilities. In 2008, he contributed to the thinking behind Ashram’s work in the field of community cohesion which led to the organisation winning the prestigious Housing Corporation Gold Award. Building upon this, Ashram became the only housing association directly involved in the delivery of the Government’s ‘preventing violent extremism’ agenda. Ed is hugely committed to the ethos of public service and regularly demonstrates his passion for helping the most vulnerable in society. He commands respect among his peers and externally with all he works with.”

8. Sam Pratley Age: 30 | Group Head of Business Excellence | WM Housing Group

Nominated by: Angus Groom, Executive Director, Corporate and Business Services, WM Housing Group

“Sam joined WM Housing as senior resident support worker at its Supported Housing for Young People Project (SHYPP) in Herefordshire. He became head of SHYPP before being appointed Group Head of Business Excellence. Key achievements include: Increasing SHYPP’s income from £416,403 to £1,039,472; demonstrating SHYPP’s long-term benefits to secure funding; and encouraging Herefordshire Council to write its first Youth Homeless Strategy. Sam is highly respected among colleagues through his exceptional ability to inspire and lead. He even rejected invitations to apply for jobs with Reebok and Nike to join an organisation helping people. He is also a Cub Scout leader and a church deacon.”

9. Edward Farnsworth Age: 28 | Head of Business Planning & Development Finance | L&Q

Nominated by: Waqar Ahmed, Group Director, Finance, L&Q

“Ed joined L&Q as a Graduate Trainee in 2005. He now heads up a team of managers and analysts responsible for preparing development finance accounts, new business and group financial plans. He empowers his team to make decisions on the future of the business, creating a dynamic and friendly working environment. He was responsible for the development of an award winning new housing product UpToYou, represented L&Q on a panel of RPs that developed MyChoice Homebuy and produced annual financial benchmarking reports for the G15. His next challenge is to ensure L&Q is best positioned to deliver the new Affordable Rent model.”

10. Steven Connor Age: 27 | Team Leader of the Housing Implementation Enforcement Team | Oldham Council

Nominated by:Leah Pratten, Technical Officer, Housing, Economy, Place and Skills, Oldham Council

“The council is being forced to make redundancies and our section has been affected. Steven has really looked out for us and provided us with information and support throughout the process. He could have withheld certain information but chose to be honest about the situation which has been really beneficial for staff affected, and we respect him for it. Steven has also fought to retain his staff and is genuinely passionate about his job, which is an attribute easily lost when faced with cutbacks and redundancies. I have nominated him because the situation at work has been absolutely awful and he has shown himself to be a strong manager, despite being relatively new to the role.”

11. Ciaran Porter Age: 27 | Neighbourhood Investment Team Leader | L&Q

Nominated by: Steve Yianni, Group Director, North, L&Q

“Ciaran is a firm believer that whilst L&Q and RSLs in general create excellent houses in terms of architecture and design, what really creates cohesive neighbourhoods is proactive housing management and driven resident engagement practice. Ciaran has been with L&Q since February 2008, starting on the graduate training programme. He decided to take up a full-time role not in the usual (and perhaps more glamorous) sector of housing development but within resident engagement and community development. He began his career as a neighbourhood investment officer and within two years is now a team leader, leading an excellent and experienced team.”

12. Jennifer Stevenson Age: 26 | Business Development Officer | Northern Housing Consortium (NHC)

Nominated by: Andrew Carlin, Commercial Director, NHC

“In her first role at NHC as a Policy Officer, Jennifer showed real enthusiasm in researching and writing about a range of housing topics including a widely publicised project report on buy-to-let issues in the North of England. More recently, her passion has been evident through her work on procurement as a Business Development Officer, where she has taken the lead on projects working with local authorities and social landlords to improve their disabled adaptations services. She has helped to establish contractual agreements that are both sensitive to customer needs and generate efficiency savings. She has also spoken at several national housing conferences.”

13. Lisa Heyes Age: 27 | Neighbourhood Services Team Leader | Community Gateway Association

Nominated by: Helen Bamber, Neighbourhood Services Manager, Community Gateway Association

“Lisa demonstrates passion by challenging her team and coaching them to achieve success. Examples of this are the increased attendance at estate walkabouts and improved void statistics. She leads by example, takes ownership and responsibility and is a great listener. She is a mentor for other team leaders within the organisation and was voted Community Gateway Association colleague of the year in 2009 by her peers, presented for her commitment in leading the Neighbourhood Services team through the restructure of the organisation.”

14. Kate Hughes Age: 30 | Communications Manager | Wolverhampton Homes

Nominated by: Sue Kunynec, Director of Corporate Services, Wolverhampton Homes

“Kate began her career as a journalist in 2002, before joining a PR agency which specialised in social housing in 2007, sparking a passion for the sector. She joined Wolverhampton Homes in January 2010 as Communications Manager, with a large workload, limited financial resources and one member of staff. Kate showed awareness of value for money by recruiting an intern and has demonstrated how additional HR investment can be sourced and what benefits can be derived. She now manages a budget of £300,000. Kate’s enthusiasm for the internet saw her play a leading role in setting up Homes on the Net, an event for tenants to learn about the web. She also has her own social housing blog.”

15. Gemma Mundy Age: 28 | Customer Experience Manager | Worcester Community Housing (WCH)

Nominated by: Jean Dalziel, former Housing and Customer Service Director, WCH

“Young and energetic with a contagious ambition, Gemma sees a future where social housing fulfils and exceeds the aspirations of tenants across the country. The best leaders have first-rate communication skills and Gemma is no exception. She has already taken the national stage and spoken at conferences on the customer complaints best practice she has developed and implemented at WCH. Her personal creativity and the ability to foster it in others, has taken customer involvement to new levels with her groundbreaking customer events and consultation programme attracting record numbers of people. Gemma encourages the exploration of new direction and champions change.”

16. Tom Conlon Age: 28 | Graduate Management Trainee | Affinity Sutton

Nominated by: Phil Griffiths, Regional Development Director, Affinity Sutton

“Tom previously worked as a teacher before embarking on a career in housing. Since joining Affinity Sutton in 2009, he has worked across the business and demonstrated strong analytical and problem solving skills, excellent communication and engagement skills and delivered on a range of projects. As part of a Dragons’ Den-style competition to encourage innovation, he successfully pitched his idea for a resident-led catering business to provide staff and corporate lunches across Affinity Sutton’s London offices. The project, which employs residents and provides them with an opportunity to earn qualifications, is to be implemented in a £5,000 pilot.”

17. Rachel McGregor Age: 26 | Sales Services Manager | L&Q

Nominated by: Nic Bealey, Group Director, Marketing & Sales, L&Q

“Being brought up in a family who have always worked in housing meant Rachel had an understanding of the importance of communities from an early age. Rachel joined L&Q as an administrator when she was 20 but her potential quickly became evident and she worked her way up to Sales Services Manager, managing a team of 10 staff, in just over four years. One of her main strengths is her ability to challenge; she strives for excellence and can be very persuasive when she feels strongly about opportunities to improve levels of service. Most of all she demonstrates a real commitment to the difference she can make to people’s lives.”

18. Lynsey Watson Age: 28 | Human Resources Manager | Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH)

Nominated by: Peter Fieldsend, Director of Corporate Services, LMH

“Despite her age, high-achiever Lynsey is well on her way to director level. Her prodigious talent, team ethic and motivational skills have already seen her become LMH’s Human Resources Manager. Lynsey has been committed to progressing her career for a number of years. While studying for a degree in HR, she gained experience working in the fraud division of the Cooperative Bank before graduating and taking her first job in HR at Cooperative Financial Services. The best indication of her skills – and the high esteem in which she is held at LMH - can be seen in her appointment to co-manage a major restructure involving 200 staff, which hugely impressed Chief Executive, Steve Coffey.”

19. Natalie Garthwaite Age: 24 | Improvement Officer | Great Places Housing Group

Nominated by: Maggie Shannon, Director of Performance and Innovation, Great Places

“Natalie really brings Quality and Performance (Q&P) matters to life with her confidence and communication skills. The work of our Q&P team is more important than ever as we continuously improve against meticulously benchmarked standards. Natalie combines scrupulous attention to detail with creative flair. The psychology graduate joined the group in January 2009 when she shone among hundreds of applicants. In Natalie’s current post, substantial projects have included jointly leading our successful Customer Service Excellence submission in 2009 and co-ordinating our groupwide status survey in which residents give full and frank views.”

20. Joe Smith Age: 27 | Customer Service Centre Team Leader | Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH)

Nominated by: Angela Forshaw, Director of Housing and Customer Services, LMH

“Joe has enjoyed a rapid rise within LMH’s ranks thanks to his proactive approach to customer service. He started as an administrative assistant, and despite having not worked in housing before, showed a natural understanding of the sector. Joe’s hands-on approach saw him provide cover on the front desk at head office where he gained a valuable insight into tenants’ needs. His natural flair and people skills saw him appointed as team leader in LMH’s new customer service centre. He is now responsible for the reception areas at LMH’s six offices where he manages nine staff, ensuring front-line services are of the highest standard and tenants’ enquiries are treated with care, efficiency and consistency.”

21. Ellen Watts Age: 26 | Business Improvement and Communications Manager | Family Housing Association

Nominated by: Tim Sewell, Chief Executive, Family Housing Association

“Ellen joined as an involvement officer before being promoted to business improvement manager, then business improvement and communications manager, reporting to the chief executive. Results oriented, she ensured the improvement plan was delivered when a short-notice inspection in 2009 noted weaknesses. She also drew up our corporate strategy after consulting with staff, residents, board and stakeholders. Since taking on PR, media coverage has increased significantly thanks to her creativity. Ellen also has a caring side, building colleagues’ confidence and nurturing trainees.”

22. Stephen Russell Age: 29 | Research Manager | Midland Heart

Nominated by: Janice Smith, Business Support & Strategy Director, Midland Heart

“Stephen heads up the Information and Research team and has taken on numerous senior management responsibilities over the past 12 months. He regularly demonstrates an innovative approach, proactively solving problems whilst taking his team with him. His work on the Strategic Asset Management System project overcame challenges others could not and has attracted attention from other RSLs. His proactive style included teaching himself complicated financial modelling techniques. Stephen was also set the challenge of designing and delivering a customer census collection method to obtain information from 15,000 customers. This has been recognised as positive practice within the sector.”

23. Sam Mulligan Age: 23 | Graduate Management Trainee | Affinity Sutton

Nominated by: Clare Miller, Group Director of Governance and Compliance, Affinity Sutton

“After gaining a first-class law degree, Sam joined Affinity Sutton as a Graduate Management Trainee in 2009 – chosen from more than 600 applicants. He is currently working as part of a small legal and company secretarial team and has recently led the in-house development of a new legal services framework and has become the first point of contact for a range of different compliance issues. He readily turns his hand to issues as diverse as interpreting the charitable intentions of William Sutton, to regulatory demands from a raft of different agencies. Working with the Director of Governance, Sam is at the heart of decision making in one of the largest and fastest growing social landlords.”

24. Sheldon McMullan Age: 29 | Specialist Support Worker | Riverside English Churches Housing Group (RECHG)

Nominated by: Andrew Byrne, Support Team Leader, RECHG

“Sheldon is innovative, dedicated and passionate. He was instrumental in facilitating a drama project aimed at tackling the issues facing single homeless people with alcohol, drug and mental health issues. He brought with him a vision of using drama as a new and more effective way of examining and discussing these issues. With the aid and guidance of his mentors, Sheldon set about galvanising their existing yearly pantomime, turning it into a more professional performance. During its three-month rehearsal process, relapses and evictions reduced significantly. The efforts of the team were rewarded internally when the project won a Riverside Staff Award for ‘Challenging the Conventional’.”

25. Keiron Montague Age: 27 | Senior Community Involvement Officer | Newydd Housing Association

Nominated by: Jason Wroe, Housing Director, Newydd HA

“Keiron has motivated both staff and tenants into a very effective partnership which improves Newydd’s services to its tenants. Previously tenant involvement was at the periphery of the organisation’s activities and required staff to become interested and willing to accept an extra workload to integrate involvement fully. Keiron successfully motivated staff by demonstrating commitment and enthusiasm in such a positive way that staff became equally enthused and interested in involving tenants. Keiron has mainstreamed Community Involvement in the organisation to bring all staff and all departments together with tenants to facilitate involvement at all levels and across all sections.”

26. Colin Maltby Age: 28 | Senior Performance and Quality Officer | Accord Group

Nominated by: Celia Davis, Head of Service – Performance and Quality, Accord Group

“Colin’s enthusiasm for his role as Senior Performance and Quality Officer was apparent from his first week of employment. He continuously looks for ways in which the Performance and Quality Team and organisation can perform better, and has put forward a list of ideas for how to improve and raise the profile of the team. He processes information very well, and before making assumptions, researches and then concludes. His attention to detail is excellent, as too is his ability to understand the bigger picture and consequences. He has an excellent rapport with residents, staff and senior managers, showing respect throughout – all perfect qualities for a leader of the future.”

27. Kitson Keen Age: 24 | Property Negotiator | Peabody

Nominated by: Jackie Kelly, Director of Customer Support, Peabody

“Kitson manages a busy lettings team responsible for market and intermediate rentals. His first priority in the role was to redesign all the processes, dramatically improving transparency and efficiency. This has led to a massive improvement in the length of time a property is now left empty or void. As a result, we’ve improved on our annual target by more than half – a feat never before achieved at Peabody. Kitson manages his team by the axiom ‘A leader is only as good as those they lead’. Clear, achievable goals are vital, so each week he reassesses targets and discusses the results. Most importantly, Kitson encourages everyone to pitch in and contribute their skills. This has fostered a close-knit, family environment.”

28. Steve Charles Age: 27 | IT Manager | Wolverhampton Homes

Nominated by: Philip Toni, Director of Resources, Wolverhampton Homes

“Steve began working at Wolverhampton City Council as a Finance Officer in 1999, prior to Wolverhampton Homes being created. He now leads a team of seven, providing technical support to more than 700 employees. In the past year he has taken on more responsibility, developed his management skills and has taken part in the Wolverhampton Homes Leadership Programme, a year-long course to develop future leaders of the organisation. Steve has been instrumental in the development and implementation of a new IT system and Wolverhampton Homes’ new website, which have seen huge leaps in how the organisation can serve customers. He can always be relied upon in times of crises.”

29. Kirsty Pepper Age: 28 | Regional Manager | Paradigm

Nominated by: David Smith, Executive Director of Operations, Paradigm

“Kirsty graduated in the Summer of 2003 and has since worked with Sheffield Homes, York Council and Paradigm. Kirsty has progressed so quickly because she demonstrates many values integral to vibrant leadership. Her rapid grasp of the issues, her understanding of national and local perspectives, and the ease in which she translates complex information into proposals and solutions is outstanding. Her ability to translate knowledge and information into clear decisions helps to deliver her team’s objectives. After six years within the housing environment, there is no doubt that Kirsty is destined for a head of service role within a very short time frame and a Director’s role in the next few years.”

30. Ian Roughley Age: 23 | Gas Services Manager | Wirral Partnership Homes

Nominated by: Richard Woolfall, Head of Asset Management , WPH

“Since Ian was appointed to his current role, he has achieved outstanding performance with consecutive years at full compliance. In itself, this would be no mean feat, but in the context of where the organisation was prior to Ian’s appointment, it has demonstrated his clear understanding of what needed to be done and how to organise and lead his team. Ian leads from the front and as part of the Senior Management Team, he provides valuable input into the organisation’s aims, objectives and vision and into improvements in service provision. Ian challenges and changes crooked thinking. His ability to organise and lead new ways of working are infectious.”