What is your role here at the LDF?
I’m the Housing Operations Manager.
How long have you been in the role?
Just over two years.
What do you particularly enjoy about being the Operations Manager?
When I took on the role, it was newly created and initially focused on improving our compliance figures, which I was able to turn around fairly quickly. Since then, what I’ve enjoyed most is being able to contribute to service improvements across the board.
Whether it’s developing new policies, improving the Housing Team’s communications through our newsletter or with contractors, or streamlining internal processes, I’ve had the freedom to be creative and proactive. I like that the role gives me the chance to make a difference to how we work and the service we provide.
What has been your biggest achievement whilst in this role?
Last year, I wrote our Clergy Housing Handbook which was the first revision since 2011. With so many changes in the past few years within the team, it was a great opportunity to reintroduce the housing team to clergy, clearly explain our responsibilities and manage expectations, as well as address common questions about their homes.
The process involved reviewing and refreshing several outdated or overlooked policies and procedures, which helped bring clarity and consistency to how we work. It was rewarding to see it all come together as a clear, user-friendly resource that’s already proving useful.
And your biggest achievement outside of work?
I won the 2025 Inclusive Books for Children Award in the Baby and Toddler category for a children’s board book I wrote. The book is part of a world series called Our World, which introduces babies and toddlers to different countries, and my contribution focused on the DRC. It’s called Our World: Democratic Republic of Congo. Wining the award has opened some great opportunities as I’ve been invited to speak at schools and was also asked to deliver a 30-minute presentation with a Q&A at the Hay Festival- despite the fact that I hate public speaking!