“I joined BCHA in September of 2022 after working in a large, for-profit corporation, so being able to witness the end results for customers who are facing adversity was a big motivator for me when joining BCHA. As a Development and Acquisitions Manager, my primary responsibility is to help deliver affordable housing across a variety of formats. This can me new builds, partnering with councils or builders on collaborative projects or buying properties for refurbishment on the open market. My role captures every part of the housing journey, from submitting bids for funding to handing keys over to happy customers.
“I work with a really great team consisting of myself, Ben who manages developments in Devon and Nigel, our Head of Development. We also have a development administrator who helps with invoices, finances and revenue grants. The Director of Finance, Martin, has final say when we are acquiring projects and checking their viability. Everything we do in development needs to align with our strategic plan and our goal of providing 300 homes by 2029.”
Being able to witness the full journey for our customers, especially those with complex needs or facing adversity, makes my role so satisfying.
“My role is different every week. There are some projects that are slow-burners that seem to take a long time to come to fruition, so my time on these can be small tasks that slowly add up. Then, there are other projects that are given to us with deadlines, such as the LAHF (Local Authority Housing Fund) project, which need quick actions and for everything to move smoothly.
“The role means I could be on the road for a couple of days a week, then have a couple of days of desk work before meeting with architects or contractors. I meet a large amount of people including planners, council representatives and builders, which means you get to see the incredible work that is put in by everyone in the project.
"When we have shared ownership properties available, we also work as a key contact for our customers which brings new tasks to the table. You can view our available Shared Ownership properties on the BCHA website.”
As part of our 2024 strategic plan, BCHA have made a commitment to provide 300 homes by 2029. This feels very topical currently because of the housing crisis. My role makes me feel like I can make a difference during what is a really stressful time for many facing adversity.
“Something I am really proud of is the work that went into the Hazelmead project. This was my very first project and came as we were transitioning a new Head of Development and when I had just started the role, so there were lots of learning opportunities for me with this project. Hazelmead has some unique and modern architecture which has now won some awards as well as being visited by the Duchy of Cornwall, so being involved with this project means so much to me. The residents absolutely love Hazelmead which is what it all boils down to, it is such a special place."
“My time at BCHA has taught me to never judge a book by it’s cover. Some projects can seem really simple but come with so many setback and learning opportunities, whereas others seem difficult but sail through! It is so important to take a step back and see the bigger picture when working within the sector.
“As part of our 2024 strategic plan, BCHA have made a commitment to provide 300 homes by 2029. This feels very topical currently because of the housing crisis. My role makes me feel like I can make a difference during what is a really stressful time for many facing adversity.”
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