Sharon Stewardson, Head of New Homes, Spirita

Tell us about yourself.

I’m happily married with no children or pets. I graduated from Trent Polytechnic and worked for a few years in Nottingham before moving to Newcastle (having fallen for a Geordie). I moved back to the Midlands in 1996 to work for MHT. I have just received my first loyalty bonus and purchased a very nice winter coat with the proceeds, thank you.

What do you do in your position at MHP?

I lead a small team of eight people who each have specialised skills and experiences. We offer knowledge of leasehold and mixed tenure management; we work closely with development to improve the design of new schemes and bring them successfully into management; we provide an after sales service; and we deal with requests from shared owners wanting to buy more of their home or sell on.

Finally we sell properties which no longer meet our needs or our residents’ aspirations, thus generating receipts which can be used to build new homes or improve the stock we are keeping. So, all-in-all, I have to know a little bit of lots of things.

Did any specific education or work experience help you get this job?

My degree was in Estate Management and Housing and I have worked for a variety of different housing associations and local authorities in the Midlands and North East.

My management/supervisory experience (not forgetting my winning personality) no doubt helped, too.

Why did you join the charitable housing sector?

Working for the social housing sector and MHP allows me to make a difference to the lives of people; there are many moments in my career that have given me happiness and a sense of achievement.

What motivates you?

People – the people I work with and for bring energy, fun, frustration in equal measures. The last 12 months with the setting up and implementation of Spirita has been the most challenging time I have spent with MHP.

What changes have you made at MHP?

There are three achievements which have given me the greatest satisfaction:

• Leading a small multi-disciplinary team responsible for regenerating the Ransom Road Estate in St Ann’s, Nottingham.
• Securing the funds to build a creche facility at Hill View Community Centre and seeing it being enjoyed by young children and their parents.
• Being part of a highly successful Housing Services team in MHT Midlands and seeing the resulting improvements in performance and service delivery.