I retired in 2023 after a career in the housing sector spanning over 40 years, initially as a voluntary housing advice worker and more latterly as the Chief Executive of believe housing, and I loved every minute of it.
In my early days in the sector, I campaigned for improvements in housing policy, particularly around homelessness and disrepair. The driver behind this campaigning zeal was seeing Cathy Come Home on TV when I was a teenager, and the outrage I felt at the treatment of the homeless. That passion has never left me!
I grew up on a large Council housing estate and my parents thought they had won the jackpot when they were given the keys to their new council house. Our previous home was an unheated, badly repaired flat with an outside toilet. My parents were active in the local community, setting up a tenants' association and a community centre to promote activities for the local community.
I know the positive difference that good housing and community facilities can make to people.
I am determined to use my knowledge and experience to help North Star realise its ambitions and to continue to provide great homes and services to all of its customers.
I’ve always been interested in history and archaeology, and once I retired, I was able to become a volunteer excavator at Vindolanda.