Welcome to WISH Midlands

Lynn is a Director of the WISH CIC and a Board Member of WISH (Midlands) - she has over 20 years experience of working at Executive Director level within the social housing sector. within both the Local Authority and Housing Association sectors.  Lynn is also Non-Executive Director on an ALMO and a HA.  Lynn has a passion for tenant and employee engagement and advocates that the success of an organisation comes from its people.  Lynn is also a  qualified coach, holding a Post Graduate Certificate in Coaching Psychology.  Lynn runs her own company, Libra Coaching and Consultancy.

Senior Associate at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Rose is a housing corporate governance solicitor who often works with housing associations and other community based organisations. Rose believes housing is one of the most important issues affecting communities across the country and the housing sector helps the most vulnerable in our society. While training to become a solicitor, she attended several networking events and found WISH to be one of the most valuable thanks to its relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

She said: “WISH encourages women to choose a career in the affordable housing and construction sectors and addresses career progression for women already in those sectors – all round good stuff!"

Regional Manager, Chartered Institute of Housing. 

Rebecca works across London, the South East and Eastern regions for the CIH. After discovering WISH at a North West networking event, she teamed up with fellow board members Katherine Smith and Rose Klemperer to relaunch the Midlands group to invest and lead in the personal development, mentoring and networking for women’s careers – something WISH has been so successful in delivering for other regions.

She said: “I am honoured to introduce myself as chair for WISH Midlands. For me, being able to lead such an inspirational group that promotes women within such a diverse and vibrant sector is extremely exciting. WISH has an excellent reputation within social housing and adheres to my core beliefs in personal development and unlocking your network.

“One thing’s for sure, there are some exciting times ahead and I’m looking forward to seeing the potential and energy of this branch shine through.”         

Deputy company secretary at Orbit Group Ltd 

Sarah’s career history includes 17 years of varied legal advisory roles, including 14 years in the housing sector. She oversaw Touchstone Housing Association’s merger to become Midland Heart and now serves as Orbit’s deputy company secretary. Sarah is also a foundation board member of the Romero Catholic Academy in Coventry.

She said: “I joined WISH to develop myself and others in both a personal and professional capacity. I’m excited at the prospect of being able to promote careers in housing, which I feel it is a sector that is undersold.”

Director of Culture, Assurance and Performance at Housing And Care 21

Annabel is the Director of Culture, Assurance and Performance at housing and Care 21 and has worked in the not for profit environment for over 20 years. Annabel’s career has focussed on providing support and direction to organisations in order to help them achieve their potential. Prior to being appointed to her current role in November 2017, Annabel was the Head of Internal Audit and Risk, ensuring sound internal control, good governance and regulatory compliance.   Annabel’s passion for Housing and Care 21, commitment to delivering to the highest standards, her team values, and strategic ambitions led her to being appointed to the Executive Team. 

On joining WISH Annabel said “I am passionate about ensuring women succeed in their chosen careers and have the support and encouragement to achieve their potential which they may not find within their current environment. Being an ambassador for Women in Social Housing enables me to play a part in inspiring others and also further develop my own network and potential.”

I have worked in Social Housing for over 30 years, predominantly within Care & Support providing services to the most vulnerable people in our society.

My experience ranges from day-to-day management of services in my previous roles to leading on delivery and strategy in my current role for MTVH.

I have a great passion for people and for equality of opportunity and I hope that I can utilize that driver to champion WISH in their goal to support Women in our sector to achieve great things.

Community Housing Officer – Accord Housing

Kat started her Housing career in Customer Services for Citizen Housing and is now working as a Community Housing Officer for Accord Housing working directly with residents to assist with antisocial behaviour, tenancy issues and rent support. She is passionate about tenancy sustainment and supporting vulnerable residents.

After hearing about WISH whilst attending social networking events, she was keen to get involved and join a supporting and inspiring network of women. “I am thrilled to join the WISH Midlands team and be part of a network that encourages women’s involvement and development in the Housing Sector. I look forward to widening my current network and meeting other like minded women.”

Evonne is Chief Executive of IndigoBlu Consultancy Ltd, a housing consultancy working within the social housing and voluntary sector. With a career spanning over 26 years in the housing sector Evonne is passionate about making a difference, equality and diversity.

 “I’m very proud to have joined the Board of WISH West Midlands” commented Evonne on her appointment. 

Lesley has worked for Housing Partners since 2014.  Prior to joining Housing Partners she worked in a number of sectors including construction and manufacturing in senior finance roles.  She was attracted to the role in Housing Partners, a software provider supplying solutions that empower partners to build better lives for their customers, because of the positive contribution it makes to the social housing sector. As part of the Senior Management Team she also works closely with customers both in terms of the overall service HP provide but also the investment they make in jointly developed business cases.

Her motivation to join WISH Midlands has been driven by her desire to engage with like-minded women, support the social housing sector and, more specifically, encourage women within it to achieve their goals.

She said “I joined WISH as its vision is to embrace the possibilities of change to deliver positive and beneficial outcomes, we can all be proud of. I am excited to be part of the team.”

Elaine leads on marketing and communications at Aspire Housing and its group businesses including apprenticeship and training provider, PM Training, community-based charity, Realise charity and shared ownership provider, Cerris Homes.

Based near to Aspire’s HQ in Newcastle-under-lyme, Elaine joined the housing sector in 2017 on the back of many years in IT and retail. On joining WISH Midlands Elaine said, “I’m delighted to be joining the WISH Midlands team, to help support women working in social housing. WISH offers something unique to women who want to reach beyond their current network and explore new opportunities in housing.

“I look forward to working with existing and new members in the Midlands region, where we have so much to showcase!”