Meet our colleagues

We have a wide range of jobs roles at ForHousing, all working together to positively impact the lives of tenants.

If you want to make an impact and work with us you can find out more about some of the roles and people who work with us below.

Meet our colleagues – Johnny

Meet Johnny, a community development support officer at ForHousing. In his role Johnny works on a variety of projects for the communities we serve, producing amazing projects such as Go See Do. Watch the video to learn more about Johnny’s role in ForHousing.

Meet our colleagues – Carla

Meet Carla. As an employment advisor her job is to support ForHousing tenants in their journey to finding work. This includes careers advice, CV writing, interview preparation, job search and applications, but also helping them gain confidence by practising their employability skills. Watch the video to learn more about Carla’s career at ForHousing.

Meet our colleagues – Melissa

Meet Melissa, she works as a health and safety administrator at ForHousing. Having started working at ForHousing in the customer connect hub, Melissa has a wealth of experience across the teams. Watch the video to learn more about Melissa and her career at ForHousing.

Amy Jones

Amy Jones

Housing Officer
ForHousing Neighbourhood Services & Supported Living

Tell us more about your role:

I am a housing officer at ForHousing. My role is to manage properties within my patch area and support our tenants to sustain their tenancies while ensuring they comply with our housing polices. I act as a main point of contact for tenants. I deal with a wide range of cases such as tenancy management, neighbour hood & property inspections, low level anti – social behaviour and any safe guarding concerns. Building positive relationships with our tenants and making myself known I’m here to support.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

I would say my favourite part about the role is knowing I can make a difference to someone’s life, being their to support people in need and bringing them happiness. Seeing tenants faces when you sign them up to one of our properties and knowing you will be able to give them ongoing support is really rewarding.

What’s your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is being trapped in a tight dark area – It’s a good job that I am not a celebrity. I wouldn’t last very long on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I love going to the gym and being outdoors, one of my favourite things to do it hiking especially in summer time- I enjoy going out for food and trying new places.

What’s your favourite biscuit?

Jammy dodgers – elite biscuit!

Callum Deckwa

Callum Deckwa

Service Desk Analyst
ForHousing ICT

Tell us more about your role:

I’m a Service Desk Analyst at ForHousing, which means I’m one of the first people involved when IT issues come up. I investigate and triage everything that gets reported, and I also manage user access and handle the setup for new starters, movers and leavers. My role covers all user equipment—phones, laptops, tablets—and making sure it’s compliant and fit for purpose. I also help maintain the tech across our sites, from printers and video‑conferencing equipment to the physical network itself.

What does a typical working day look like?

A typical working day can change very quickly. For example, I might arrive at the office and immediately get a call that the network is down at one of our sites. The first step is to speak with the staff on site and guide them through a series of user checks to rule out any local issues. Once that’s done, we contact the service provider to carry out their external diagnostics. If the problem still isn’t resolved, we’ll head over to the affected site ourselves to investigate further and implement the fix.

What is your favourite thing about your role?

What I enjoy most is how different every day is. You never quite know what issues or challenges are going to come your way, and that variety keeps things interesting. The role is so diverse that you end up learning something new every single day, which I really enjoy.

What’s your biggest fear?

Being trapped in a lift. I’m not great with enclosed spaces or heights, so the idea of being stuck in a lift combines both — definitely my worst nightmare.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

In my free time, I love getting out on the bike or heading off to explore somewhere new. Whether it’s a new trail, a different town or just a change of scenery, I enjoy being out and about.

Who would play you in a movie?

Apparently, I bear a slight resemblance to Leonardo DiCaprio, so I think he’d be the one to play me.

What’s your favourite biscuit?

Shortbread every time. It’s impossible to beat something that good.

Nina Hodgson

Nina Hodgson

Community Development Officer
ForHousing Community & Tenant Involvement

Tell us more about your role:

In my role, I support local community groups and organisations with things like funding, governance, and planning. I get involved in a wide range of projects – from Play Streets and youth clubs to volunteering and tenant involvement. Anything to do with helping people make a difference in their communities and making sure they have the support they need to do it.

What does a typical working day look like?

A typical day for me might be leading a workshop for Community Voice panel members about grants for community groups, and their role in choosing which applications are approved and being custodians of the fund. Then in the afternoon, helping a community group complete a funding bid for their holiday play scheme and tackling my email inbox!

What is your favourite thing about your role:

Choosing my favourite part of the role can be difficult, but I really enjoy events and fun days – they’re a great way to bring people together, celebrate what’s going on locally, and just have a good time.

Who inspires you?

Anthony Joshua – I do kickboxing myself so I really admire his boxing as well as the work he does supporting young people and his local community.

What’s your biggest fear?

Heights – please don’t ask me to do a charity abseil!

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Latin dancing!

Daryl Newman

Daryl Newman

Governance and Policy Officer
Governance & Assurance

Tell us more about your role:

My role centres around looking after our full suite of policies and procedures, the Resource area of the intranet, and making sure everything is well‑managed, accurate, and easy for colleagues to use. I’m responsible for document control and ensuring our policies remain clear, accessible, and up to date so they continue to support both colleagues and customers in the best way possible.

Alongside this, I’m involved in our annual compliance assessments and several continuous improvement projects within the governance team, aimed at streamlining processes and strengthening how we work. I’m also growing my experience in meeting management and deepening my understanding of how our governance framework operates in line with recognised best practice.

In addition to my day‑to‑day role, I also chair our LGBTQ+ Network, which has now been established for over a year. We’ve made significant strides in building visibility, enabling inclusion, and creating a supportive community for colleagues across the organisation, something I’m incredibly proud to contribute to.

It’s a role that touches so many parts of the organisation, and I really enjoy being part of the work that helps keep everything running smoothly, transparently, and in a way that supports inclusive culture.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite thing about my job is being able to take everything I’ve learned during my time at ForHousing and build on it in a way that really connects to the bigger picture. I love seeing how the work we do at a strategic level links back to the day‑to‑day operations and the incredible people delivering services on the ground. It’s made me even more passionate about what we do, because no matter what role you’re in, you can genuinely see how everyone contributes to shaping ForHousing and making a real difference.

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is seagulls! I actually love birds… but seagulls? They’re like the overconfident soap‑opera villains of the sky. Once when I was younger, one swooped down and stole my food, it descended from the heavens like a feathery tornado, executed a precision ‘snack extraction,’ and flew off like it had just completed Mission Impossible. It wasn’t a quick bite… it was a drive‑by dining. Ever since then, I just don’t trust them.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, I’m usually up bright and early on a Sunday cheering on my niece at her local football matches. I’ve fully embraced the role of enthusiastic sideline supporter! When I’m not pitch‑side, I love getting stuck into the world of 3D printing. It’s a hobby where I can be creative, experiment with ideas, and bring little concepts to life layer by layer. And when the weather behaves, you’ll either find me pottering about in the garden or out exploring the nearby canal paths and open fields. (I like to think of it as my way of staying well‑grounded while making sure life doesn’t all go down the canal).

What is a career highlight for you?

A true career highlight for me goes back a couple of years, when I was nominated for the Be Proud Award, an honour that meant far more to me than I could ever fully put into words.

When I first joined ForHousing and worked on Front of House in different locations, I had the privilege of working alongside Kris Thew. Kris wasn’t just a supportive colleague, he was someone whose kindness, patience, and genuine passion for helping people set a standard I aspired to live up to. He had a way of lifting others, and he quietly shaped the way many of us approached our work.

After Kris passed away, his absence was deeply felt across the organisation. So, to later find myself receiving multiple nominations and becoming runner-up for a customer-facing award that he himself embodied, it was incredibly moving.

That recognition wasn’t just about my own efforts, it was a reminder that Kris’s legacy continues to live on in the way we support each other and our customers every day. To me, that moment will always stand out as a truly meaningful highlight in my career.

What is your favourite biscuit?

Definitely a classic chocolate bourbon! There’s just something unbeatable about that perfect combo of chocolatey filling and crunchy biscuit, it’s pure, simple happiness in snack form!

Donna Ainsworth

Donna Ainsworth

Housing Officer
For Housing Neighbourhood Services

Tell us more about your role and what your typical working day looks like:

In my role as a housing officer, I tend to log on at 8am and get a little bit of admin done while the traffic is busy and then make my appointments from around 10am onwards, I then usually do 3-4 home visits, these are generally tenancy visits to deal with changes of tenancy, breach of tenancy (property condition / fraud / abandonments), block inspections, flytipping or random home visits to ensure the tenant and property are all ok. We have recently also been given the low level ASB. Once I have done my visits I try to return home to complete my admin from the day.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

That every day is different and I can get out and about and see people face to face.

What is your favourite thing about your role:

Our role can be so different from day to day, from helping someone get the right support to then attending a house fire and assessing damage and arranging a decant etc.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

In my spare time I go to the gym regularly and I also volunteer with my eldest daughters rugby team as a first aider.

What is a career highlight for you?

As I have only been at Forhousing 2 years and had very little housing knowledge prior, I feel like the fact that I have been able to support new starters this year and show then the ropes has made me realise how much I have actually learnt.

What’s your favourite biscuit?

White chocolate chip cookie.

Will Blundell

Will Blundell

Work Placement and Training Officer
Employment Support Services

Tell us more about your role

As work placement and training officer I set up structured work experience for our tenants inside the business, with our contractors and out in the community. I also provide careers advice and empower people to develop through various training options.

What does a typical working day look like?

There is no typical day in this role! Some are minute to minute busy going from one type of support to another, person after person. Other days are steady and project focused, where I design systems, processes and learning for different types of groups. Many days are spent working to make connections between enthusiastic people; seeing what kinds of opportunities I can build for our tenants.

Who inspires you?

Anyone in an effective leadership role – when complex decisions are made well I’m inspired by the passion, focus and experience on display.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Video games of all kinds with friends from across the world. I play a different game for every occasion! Factory automation anyone?

Who would play you in a movie?

Benedict Cumberbatch, perhaps a little similar to when he plays Turing in the Imitation game?

What’s your favourite biscuit?

Custard Cream!

Kian Drury

Kian Drury

Asset Management Support Officer
Assets & Sustainability

Tell us more about your role

I work half the week for the Energy Team, and the other half for Asset Management. I do anything from issuing energy vouchers, ForHousing Utility account management through to raising works following surveyor visits and managing no accessed visits. From September 2026 I will be doing the Energy Team side full-time! I previously worked in the CCH for 9 years so it’s a totally different way of working.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

I like being able to look at processes and systems and recommended improvements and changes, from initial discussions through to working wit ICT and other colleagues to implement them.

What does a typical working day look like?

A typical day is scanning whichever shared inbox I am working on that day, along with my own, prioritizing tasks where we have the most vulnerable customers. I tend to have a few teams meetings with other departments over ongoing projects. I seem to always have half a dozen Excels on the go!

What is the favourite thing about your role?

I feel like I make a difference, in my own way. It might not as be a direct and customer facing as in the past, but I still play a part.

Who inspires you?

Well Superman (pre 2025 version!) but if we are going real world then Alan Turing.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Mostly gaming, but I do like a good long walk in the open air.

What’s your favourite biscuit?

Ah the most quintessential ForHousing Question. A dark chocolate hobnob!

Annie MacLean

Annie MacLean

Community Development Officer
ForHousing Community & Tenant Involvement

Tell us more about your role

I always describe my role as the community telling me what to do! It is largely shaped by working with proactive members within the communities where ForHousing has homes, working in partnership to deliver and develop provision for their area.  

In the past this has included working with a group of young people and local council to redesign & fundraise for their play park, fundraise for ongoing youth provision, supporting groups to progress and put on activity e.g. Fun Days, Winter Warm sessions; supporting members of the community to develop & set up their own groups that then leads to more provision, helping connect tenants with ForHousings wider teams and have a voice within all that we do.   

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

I love working with people & seeing their ideas and vision grow into a reality. I love planning & am able to pass on these skills & confidence to others so they are able to do it themselves.. but it is always a two way street where I am constantly learning along the way.  

 

What does a typical working day look like?

Hmm… no two days are the same… It might be me working at home, catching up on admin & planning the next exciting initiative, or meeting with a community group or member to support them to plan for their future projects… if it’s the school holidays, then you won’t find me far away from a play scheme.

What is the favourite thing about your role:

Being able to work with the local community collaboratively and problem solve creative solutions together.  

Who inspires you?

My auntie – she is amazing.  

What is your biggest fear?

Goodness… I have gone from being a fairly fearless child to then considering this question! I think one of my fears is not being able to move… I have an active mind that leads to me being an active person – though as I get older, this is not coming as naturally to me anymore (!) I don’t cope well not being able to move, and am the worst patient if I ever am ill: I want to be able to keep up with my children & my mind & the thought of being limited in that way – I would worry for those around me.. 

What is a career highlight for you?

In 2022, the impossible happened. I worked with the community, colleaguesCulture Knowsley and Illuminos to project an animation that captured stories from the community onto the side of Merecliff highrise. It was an epic experience that exceeded everyone’s expectations and shone a positive light onto Stockbridge, bringing something that the community were really proud of and helping to raise expectations. You can read more about it here: Reaching for the sky at Tall Tales – ForHousing 

What is your favourite biscuit?

Fox’s chocolatey milk chocolate rounds… mmmmm  

Alice Bennett

Alice Bennett

Learning and Organisational Development Advisor
People team

Tell us more about your role

I am a Learning and Organisational Development Advisor in the People Team. I have a very varied role, in which I can deliver face-to-face training one day and produce company-wide learning stats the next. The role is focused on ForHousing’s development of colleagues and that development can include mentoring, training, e-learning, shadowing, individual development, team development and creating learning pathways on LinkedIn Learning or ‘Playlists’ on Cornerstone. I liaise with external trainers for the regular monthly training sessions and I write my own courses, in line with team or organisational goals. Learning and development is about people being their best selves and that is a great basis on which to form connections with colleagues.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

There are so many things that I love about my role, but it’s always about the people – I think ForHousing has a really positive, friendly, professional and inspiring workforce. I see the values lived every time I interact with colleagues. I can’t believe my luck that I work here and I hope others feel the same. My absolute favourite thing is to write and deliver training. I love the opportunity to be creative and to interact with people. A real bonus is if they recognize a positive difference after the training.

Who inspires you?

Anybody who carries on, despite setbacks; people who lead by compassion (lots of this at ForHousing); people who have made it through adversity and keep the door wide open for others to follow; people who aren’t afraid to challenge bad practices or unhelpful ways of working; people who know the hill they will die on; people who don’t give up fighting for justice; people who are prepared to be the only voice, speaking against a wrongdoing; people who can’t be bought; colleagues in the staff networks; the person reading this.

What is your biggest fear?

That justice becomes a luxury because profit is the dominant force.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Writing, campaigning and appreciating nature, no matter how tiny the flower or how common the bird.

What is a career highlight for you?

Not quite career in the traditional sense, but when I was a councillor, I was given the responsibility (as Mayoral Lead for Heritage and Design) to oversee the city’s buildings at risk. I created a programme called Young Heritage Champions aimed at pupils from the more disadvantaged areas to learn about the city’s heritage and its buildings. The Young Heritage Champions spent the summer visiting Liverpool’s fabulous but decaying sites and created a vision for their future, learning from experts about all things heritage. We even had a feature on Granada Reports!

Alicia De Voy

Alicia De Voy

Tenancy Resilience Officer
Housing and Neighbourhoods

Tell us more about your role

I am an Employment Advisor, working as part of the Tenancy Resilience Service at ForHousing. Our service works with anyone living in a ForHousing property, over the age of 16. We even work with tenants who are already working but may be interested in a career change. My job is to support tenants who are looking for work or training, providing practical support with things like CVs and applications, but also advice and guidance on career pathways and local opportunities.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

When I get a call from a tenant to tell me they got the job! It’s the best feeling in the world, getting to share that moment of success with someone. I love to see people’s self confidence grow and being able to be a part of that journey – there’s no other feeling like it.

 

I’m an active member of our LGBTQ+ network, a group of staff working to promote an inclusive workplace and support colleagues across the organisation. I’m passionate about fostering a culture where everyone feels represented, respected, and able to thrive and i’m thankful to work for an organisation that facilitates this.

What does a typical working day look like?

A mix really – speaking to my tenants is a big part, whether that’s signing up someone new who is taking the first steps on their journey or helping a tenant prepare for an interview they have been working towards. There’s some admin too – job searching, liaising with employers or other service providers, editing and updating CVs, etc.

Who inspires you?

A lot of my colleagues here at ForHousing inspire me but I’d have to say my manager and the rest of my team, in particular. I’m very lucky to work amongst some truly awesome people, and they all inspire me in different ways to stretch myself.

What’s your biggest fear?

Sharks

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to make music – practicing my instruments, having a jam with my friends or writing it. I spend a lot of time recording (and re-recording) tracks. If I’m not doing that, I’m either on a walk or playing video games!

What is a career highlight for you?

ForHousing offers an amazing mentorship programme, and last year I was able to participate. The guidance and support I got from my mentor was incredible, and I still use it daily both in and outside of work. Definitely a pivotal point for me in my career to date!

Leon

Leon

Communications Assistant
Communications & EDI team

Tell us more about your role

I help bring our communications strategy to life – whether that’s crafting engaging content for our website, socials, newsletters, or videos, or supporting campaigns, events, and projects.

I work closely with our Communications Partners to make sure everything’s on-brand, audience-focused, and delivered on time. From proofreading and updating digital content to briefing designers and managing social media, I keep things fresh, inclusive, and accessible. I also support offline communications, ensure we meet regulatory needs, and always aim to improve the customer experience. I’m here to make sure our messages land well—wherever and however they’re shared.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

My favourite thing about my role is the diversity it brings in my daily activities. One day I can be working through a communications plan, writing news stories and building webpages. The next day I can be out and about meeting tenants and photographing or videoing them, building relationships in the process.

Who inspires you?

My parents inspire me, they both have an incredible work ethic and they worked hard to give me and my sister a good upbringing.

What’s your biggest fear?

Spiders, they’re terrible!

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I like going to gigs, going to the cinema, taking photos and socialising with my friends.

What’s your favourite biscuit?

You just can’t beat an Oreo!

Charlie

Charlie

Tenancy Support and Safeguarding Manager
Housing and Neighbourhoods

Tell us more about your role

I have operational management responsibility to deliver Tenancy Sustainment Services across Salford and Knowsley, and I am the Safeguarding Lead at ForHousing.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

Working alongside an incredible, passionate inspiring team of professional people. Listening and learning daily. You are never too old to learn new things in life.

Who inspires you?

My two amazing children and my two beautiful grandchildren.

What’s your biggest fear?

Being confined in small spaces, especially underground.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Catching up with my boys over cake and coffee, in open air setting next to water.

Spending time and making positive memories with my grandchildren, walking, relaxation time in the lake district or exploring North Wales.

What is a career highlight for you?

Meeting Simon Weston and feeling the immense pleasure and having the opportunity of shaking his hand.

Passing my degree in Leadership and Management at ForHousing. Passing those gained skills, knowledge and experiences on to my colleagues.

Melissa

Melissa

Customer Connect Officer
Customer Connect Hub

Tell us more about your role

I work in the Customer Connect Hub and I am one of the first points of call for a tenant who may contact us with an enquiry. This can be anything from repairs to anti-social behaviour, rents or neighbourhood management and moreSometimes we even receive queries outside of ForHousing, for example an issue with their black bins! We literally are a snippet of every department! We do this via phone, webchat, email, SMS text, in person at our office or social media!  

What does a typical working day look like? 

Everyday is a different day in the Hub but the one thing that stays the same is being ready and available to help our tenants. A morning could be spent on calls, and afternoon on emails.  

Who inspires you?  

There is no famous person that influences me, I would say my family are my influences. I just want to be the best version of myself I can be!

What’s your biggest fear? 

Failing and not being very good at my job!  

What do you like doing in your spare time?  

Spending time with family and making memories. I do have a big interest in darts, I go each year to the premier league in Manchester! Great night and looking into going to the world masters next year in Blackpool.  

What is a career highlight for you? 

I got the opportunity to spend some time last year on a project to redesign the process from start to finish of finding a new homeI got to work alongside other departments and find out more about their roles and other policies and proceduresIt’s broadened my understanding. We had to present to teams and to our Executive Management Team, it made my confidence grow as I had to push out of my comfort zoneI also made some lovely friends! 

Stacey

Stacey

Development Manager
ForLiving

Tell us more about your role

My role involves supporting work to develop our pipeline of new build social housing schemes. I work with architects, land agents and contractors to negotiate land and contract works deals, facilitate the land acquisition process and liaise with internal teams to ensure that the building design meets the requirements of the wider organisation. 

Another part of my role is to develop the Social Value Strategies for our development schemes, which is required for a planning application to be approved. Social Value is becoming a major factor in planning approvals, so working closely with our communities and contractors ensures that we can maximise social value in every project we deliver. I am also responsible for developing GMCA Brownfield Funding and Homes England funding bids, and I regularly work with key stakeholders to secure essential funding for our schemes.  

What’s your favourite thing about your job? 

I love working with people and networking has quickly become one of the best things about my role. As a naturally shy person, this is something I never thought I would enjoy, but I get such joy from creating meaningful connections, sharing best practices and keeping up with the latest developments within the sector. I am a member of Women in Property, which is an organisation which promotes inclusivity and equality for women in the construction and property industry 

I’m fortunate to be part of the EDI Excellence Group and the Staff Forum, where I help ensure ForHousing remains an inclusive and equitable workplace. In this role, I support colleagues in developing Inclusive Decision-Making Frameworks for their policies, projects, and procedures—embedding inclusivity into everything we do. Being part of the Staff Forum also gives me the opportunity to drive positive change across the organisation and build connections with colleagues from different teams.

Who inspires you?  

Stacey Soloman. She is quirky, funny and just the right side of eccentric. I think she has a great outlook on life and is an amazing mum whilst holding down a demanding career, yet always seems to remain positive and upbeat.

What’s your biggest fear?  

In work my biggest fear is hearing the words ‘we’ve just made a few small tweaks to the spec….’ (There are NEVER just a few!)

What do you like doing in your spare time? 

I enjoy crochet and knitting whilst watching true crime. I am also a PC gamer and enjoy online games with my friends in Norway and Denmark.  

What is a career highlight for you?

Becoming part of the Development team and progressing to Development Manager has been one of the best career highlights to date. I now have the amazing opportunity to mentor and develop junior colleagues which is such a privilege. 

Bea

Bea

Waste Management Supervisor
Neighbourhood Services & Supported Living

Tell us more about your role

I’m responsible for reducing the environmental and social impact of excess waste and fly tipping across our communities. My role involves leading a team of waste operatives to ensure efficient and safe waste collection services. 

We work closely with Neighbourhoods and Building Safety teams to ensure all communal waste bins are accessible, compliant, and fit for scheduled collections. Our service is proactive so we can redistribute waste to prevent overflow and service disruption.  We do this by developing and maintaining a schedule that monitors bin usage trends, identifying overfilled or underutilised bins. 

We also coordinate with external contractors to arrange timely removal of fly-tipped waste, ensuring swift response to community reports so we can maintain clean, safe, public spaces. The team also supports initiatives that promote responsible waste disposal and contribute to cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods. 

Alongside my operational role, am humbled to serve as the Chair of the Race Inclusion Network (RIN). This work is deeply personal to me. Growing up, I saw how powerful it is when people feel seen, valued, and represented—and how damaging it can be when they don’t. Chairing the RIN allows me to turn those experiences into action. I yearn to lead the network with heart and courage, working to create spaces where colleagues can share their stories, celebrate identity, and challenge barriers together. The RIN has strengthened representation across the organisation, influenced more inclusive recruitment practices, and helped embed cultural celebration into our everyday working life. But more importantly, it has created a sense of family—a space where colleagues feel safe, supported, and uplifted. Being part of that change is one of my proudest achievements.

What’s your favourite thing about your job? 

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is engaging directly with tenants to understand their needs and concerns. These interactions provide valuable insight into how waste impacts daily life and allow me to build trust within the community. I take pride in identifying practical solutions that help make our neighbourhoods cleaner, safer, and more sustainable. 

A key focus of my role is reducing the volume of waste sent to landfill. This involves actively seeking out and collaborating with stakeholders—such as local businesses, charities, and recycling partners—who can support initiatives to reuse, reduce, and recycle materials.

Beyond the operational side, what I love most is being able to contribute to the organisation through the networks I’m part of—the Race Inclusion Network, Access Network and the Staff Forum. These groups allow me to support colleagues, champion inclusion, and help shape the culture of the organisation. Being part of them gives me a sense of purpose that goes far beyond my day-to-day

Who inspires you? 

My mum is, without question, the most inspiring person in my life. She has a rare and intentional gift: the ability to see the good in everyone, even when it’s not immediately visible. Her belief in people is unwavering—she looks beyond flaws and circumstances, always searching for the potential that lies within. 

What makes her truly remarkable is how she brings out the best in others. Whether through gentle encouragement or firm, honest guidance, she knows how to push people toward growth. Her love isn’t always soft—it’s often the kind that challenges you, holds you accountable, and expects you to rise to your best self. But it’s always rooted in care and a deep desire to see others thrive. 

Her example has shaped how I approach life and work. She’s taught me that leadership isn’t just about direction—it’s about compassion, belief, and the courage to help others see their own worth. I carry that with me every day. 

What’s your biggest fear? 

My greatest fear is leaving this world without having made a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of those I encounter. Whether through encouragement, motivation, or inspiration, I strive to uplift others in every interaction. The thought of passing through life without leaving behind a legacy of kindness, support, or empowerment deeply unsettles me. I want every connection—no matter how brief—to carry a spark of purpose and positivity. 

What do you like doing in your spare time?  

Reading and cooking. 

What’s your favourite biscuit?  

This has got to be shortbread!

Lorena

Lorena

Extra Care Housing Assistant
ForHousing Neighbourhood Services & Supported Living

Tell us more about your role

My role is to ensure the safety of tenants living in Amblecote extra care, this includes the safety of the buildings through health, safety and fire risk assessment checks. 

Another area is tenancy management such as tenancy signups, anti-social behaviour, complaint monitoring, safeguarding and repairs coordination. 

I organise tenant meetings too.  But the thing I enjoy the most is building a positive, robust relationship with our tenants, tenant families, carers, contractors and suppliers to provide a safe, happy, inclusive, diverse environment for tenants to live.  

Engagement with external agencies is fundamental within extra care and I am happy to be the wellbeing first point of contact for tenants. Last but by no means the least, I enjoy providing interactive, engaging and exciting activities for tenants to enjoy.  

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

Providing and delivering the personalised support and services they tenants deserve. It makes me happy to see them thrive, be happy and live an enjoyable life.

I also love being able to take part in the Race Inclusion Network. To be a part of an amazing network like RIN is something I can’t recommend enough to existing and new colleagues to try on!

As an active member of RIN for three years running, I play a fundamental part in providing support to all members to achieve our goals. The aim of our network is to listen with empathy and understand our colleagues, to actively engage and empower members to contribute with the key activities, projects, long term plans, innovation and continuous improvement of the significant areas of the business that bring positive cultural change. Lastly, this is why I made a commitment, a promise, and the reason why I love being a member of RIN is because of the people, Chair and Leaders behind its success! RIN is all about providing a robust safe space, fostering genuine sense of belonging, advocating for inclusion and diversity, championing others and ensuring that everyone feels like they deserve a seat at the table and that their voice matters!

 

What does a typical working day look like? 

Engaging with tenants who have questions or issues in their home. I like to keep learning to improve so I’m always looking for learning opportunities. What I like the most in my day to day is that there’s never a dull moment at Amblecote Gardens, you’re always in for a surprise 

Who inspires you?  

My two boys and husband!

 

During my time in the Race Inclusion Network, I have been and still in awe of the brilliant support from the Executive Sponsor, SLT and Head of EDI. It is beyond what I have imagined, and they continue to be exceptionally remarkable Leaders!

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I love gardening with my youngest son, the second lovely thing that I enjoy is going for a run or long walk or simply being in the nature with a great book. 

Paul

Paul

Director at ForLiving
ForLiving

Tell us more about your role 

My role involves managing the new business sector for all new build developments, managing the Private rent sector homes, Leasehold Management, Commercial Management and Sales/Shared Ownership Teams. 

I work closely with Salford City Council developing the Local Authorities Housing Strategy along with chairing their RP Development/Investment Group. 

On behalf of the organisation I also sit on a number of groups across Greater Manchester with Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCH). I also represent the organisation on the Off-Site Hom  Alliance (OSHA) framework. 

What’s your favourite thing about your job? 

I love the variety of the role and the opportunity to meet and work with many amazing people. 

The job has always given me brilliant satisfaction, there is such pride when you see new homes built and our tenants or residents move in.  

The job has also given me the opportunity to work with other organisations from a charitable perspective and make a genuine difference.  

Who inspires you?  

My dad, he’s always been my role model and inspiration and the person I want to make proud.  

What’s your biggest fear?  

The fear of failure. 

What do you like doing in your spare time? 

I enjoy watching all sports whether that be football, cricket or rugby. I’ve had a season ticket at Man united for over 40 years and I’ve managed to watch United all over the world. 

I also love to travel and enjoy a nice glass of red wine. 

Who would play you in a movie? 

I have no idea, but Steve at our Dock 5 office reckons Gary Oldman.

Chris

Chris

Director of Development
ForHousing Social/Affordable Development

Tell us more about your role

I’m Director of Development, overseeing the delivery of our development programme, building new homes for tenants in housing need to live in. 

What does a typical working day look like? 

No day is like the last, lots of operational activities to oversee the programme with a mix of strategic elements for reporting to Boards and Committees  

Who inspires you? 

Many people inspire me, and I’ve a great respect for people with integrity that help others, being selfless and just kind – “just be kind” to people, life is short enough! 

What’s your biggest fear? 

I’m terrified of heights, which given I need to climb scaffolding is kind of an issue! The thought of sky-diving or standing on a cliff top sends me dizzy! 

What is a career highlight for you? 

Probably landing at ForHousing in 2015 after 23 years with another registered provider in Merseyside. I should’ve saved the commute years beforehand! 

What’s your favourite biscuit? 

It has to be a dark chocolate Hobnob, mainly as my partner doesn’t like dark chocolate so there’s always some in for me! 

Gemma

Gemma

Customer Connect Team Leader
Customer Connect Hub

Tell us more about your role

I’ve worked in the Connect Hub as a Customer Connect Team Leader for over 11 years, leading a team of 12 dedicated colleagues. I’ve built relationships with not only my own team but also with other Officers, Team Leaders and colleagues across ForHousing. The atmosphere here is incredibly positive, and I believe that’s a reflection of the mutual respect and collaboration we all share.

My role is varied and dynamic, with each day bringing new challenges and opportunities to support both colleagues and tenants. We handle a wide range of queries, including repairs, anti-social behaviour (ASB), rent issues, and more. I’m passionate about creating a supportive and empowering environment where my team feels valued and confident in their roles.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

My favourite thing about my job is the team relationships. I love how we’re all here to support each other, and that sense of togetherness makes every day rewarding. Seeing my team grow and develop gives me real job satisfaction. I’m proud of what they do and how much they care for our tenants. Watching their dedication and compassion in action reminds me why I love what I do.

Alongside this, I get great satisfaction when I can see that they’ve been able to help our tenants, or when I’m involved myself.

Who inspires you?

I’m inspired by my team every day. Their dedication, growth, and the way they care for our tenants motivates me to be the best leader I can be. Seeing them support each other and rise to challenges reminds me why I love this role.

What’s your biggest fear?

I always want to make a positive difference for our tenants. A fear of mine is that, despite our best efforts, we might not be able to resolve an issue in the way they hoped. I take that personally because I know how much it matters to them and to us.

What is a career highlight for you?

One of my biggest career highlights has been leading my team in the Connect Hub for over 11 years and seeing how far we’ve come together. Watching my team grow in confidence and ability, really makes me proud, especially of the strong and positive culture we’ve built where colleagues support each other and genuinely care about the tenants we serve. Being part of that journey and seeing the difference we make every day is something I consider a real achievement.

What’s your favourite biscuit?

I love a good chocolate chip cookie, but the warm ones from Millie’s are hands-down the very best.