International Women’s Day - The role of Women at Wrekin
Women are integral to what we do at Wrekin, in such a wide variety of roles including construction trainees, support workers and board members, every one contributes to driving towards our common goal of making a difference to people’s lives.
As a provider of social housing and care that delivers social value across diverse communities we are proud to celebrate the success of all women this International Women’s Day, and everyday.
Our commitment starts at the top with women taking over half of the seats around the board table. Alison Fisher, one of the top 20 women in housing leaders for 2020, sits on the board and alongside board colleagues sets the tone for the whole organisation by providing leadership and direction and laying a path so that others can flourish.
Alison says, “I have a real interest in the role of women in housing and actively champion women in all roles across Wrekin. Working with experienced senior leaders like Morag Bailey, our Head of Continuous Improvement, we can share our passion to champion the customer voice and deliver high quality services and reflect this back at board level ensuring it helps reflect the decisions we take.”
Morag Bailey’s 30 year career in housing stems from her own determination to support her family and the importance of providing them with a safe and secure home. She has carved out a successful career which has seen her balance her job and family with her Wrekin role and other outside interests including board appointments. She continues to champion the customer voice and has been instrumental in Wrekin’s trailblazing adoption of the National Housing Federation’s Together with Tenants initiative.
Head of Operational Services Emma Humphries, who has just joined Wrekin’s leadership team, is a female leader who has developed her career while raising a family and studying.
She says, “I feel fortunate to work for an organisation where opportunities to develop and progress are available and there are no limits to what we, as women, can accomplish. The success and achievements I’ve shared, both personally and in the workplace, have and continue to be the outcome of a joint venture where I have challenged my own thoughts and actions, combined with both female and male colleagues, who’ve inspired, empowered and challenged me, to be the best that I can be.”
Our ambitious plans to deliver thousands of new homes coupled with investment in care and support services across the region bringing new opportunities, including apprenticeships and traineeships, to develop careers in specialist areas such as dementia care and construction.
Development manager Jane Kind’s career in housing has seen her take on a variety of roles, however it was her love of working with contractors which sparked a career in construction and project management.
Jane said, “Working in Development perfectly links my housing background with the project and construction side. I adore my job and I’ve had the support I need progress my career. I feel there is now a greater variety of opportunities for women, and certainly no feeling of being shoehorned into ‘traditional’ roles.”
Nurse Jane Reeves Ford has worked at Limewood, the award winning Dementia care home in Stafford for two years and was instrumental in Limewood receiving the prestigious Gold Standard Framework accreditation for end of life care.
Jane says “End of life care is very important to me and dementia is my thing. My role now combines the two which is perfect! Working for Wrekin I have the freedom to get on with my work and the support to progress new ideas, which means we have systems in place to ensure everyone can reach the end of their life with dignity and respect.”
Also advancing dementia services is Di Wallace, our Dementia Outreach Manager, whose achievements include creating Lean On Me, which is a service for families and carers of people with dementia. Di has also been instrumental in Stafford becoming a dementia-friendly town – a status that has been maintained for the last three years.
Di says, “Winning the Dignity in Care award for outstanding achievement is a highlight for me, and it has led to so many connections. This allowed me to spread the word about the reality of living with, or caring for, a person with dementia. My favourite part of the role is speaking to young people, witnessing their understanding and level of interest in dementia, and seeing how they can make a difference.”
At Wrekin we are committed to supporting and encouraging women at all stages of their careers to build rewarding professions and continue making a difference to people’s lives.
8th March 2021