Our People

I’ve been working here for nearly five years and really enjoy being part of the team. Outside of work, I like cooking and spending as much time as possible with my two sons. I’m also a supporter of Ipswich Town Football Club and a keen badminton player.

My career started in private sector block management, looking after blocks of flats, estates, and communal areas. Alongside this, I spent a lot of time volunteering with deaf people, disadvantaged young people and care leavers. While I knew I wanted to build a career in property, I missed the direct impact of making a difference in people’s lives. Social housing felt like the perfect balance of both, and I’m grateful to have found a career where I can help people every day.

In 2024, I completed a year-long CIH (Chartered Institute of Housing) qualification, which has really strengthened my knowledge and confidence. I’ve also always been given the tools and support I need to do my job well, with barriers quickly tackled so I can focus on helping residents.

What I enjoy most about working here, though, is the people. My colleagues are friendly, approachable, and always willing to help. There’s a real sense of teamwork and shared values (Respecting, Engaging and Fair) which creates a positive, inclusive culture and makes every day at Havebury enjoyable.

I’ve been with Havebury for six years now, and during that time I’ve had a few different roles. These days I’m a project manager in the Development team. My main focus is on the pre-contract stage, which means I spend a lot of time offering on and negotiating S106 opportunities. Once an offer is accepted, I take the homes through to contract, and then hand things over to my colleagues in the post-contract team, who see them through to completion. After that, it’s back to the start for me with a new opportunity.

Outside of work, life’s just as busy. I’m a governor at my daughter’s school and also chair of the Bury Town Supporters Club – the Blue Army! When I’m not doing that, you’ll usually find me with a book, at the cinema, listening to music, or even brewing my own beer.

Before Havebury, I was an estate agent for many years. It was a career I wanted to step away from, the long hours and working weekends meant I was missing out on too much with my children when they were little. Out of the blue, my good friend and now head of communications, Hayley, gave me a heads-up about a brand-new role at Havebury. I jumped at the chance, applied, and was lucky enough to get it. I’ll always be grateful to Hayley for that nudge, not only do I now work for a brilliant organisation doing something really meaningful for the community, but I also get to spend more time with my family and see my kids grow.

The job I do today is quite different from the one I first started in. Back then, my very long title was ‘new homes sales and business development manager’ – I still think it’s the longest title Havebury has ever had! Over time, after hopefully proving my worth, I’ve had a couple of promotions and moved into my current role as Project Manager. Havebury have been brilliant in supporting my progression. I’ve never worked anywhere that invests so much in its people. I’ve even just submitted the final coursework for a diploma they encouraged me to do, fingers crossed I pass!

When I think about what I love most about working here, it’s hard to pick just one thing. Building homes for people who really need them is incredibly rewarding. The flexible working and the benefits are fantastic too. But honestly, it’s the people that make Havebury what it is. The work can sometimes be stressful and demanding, but the support and humour from my colleagues – not just in my team but across the organisation – really makes the difference. I just hope I manage to give that same support back.

I’m originally from Haverhill, but my husband and I recently moved to Stowmarket to be closer to our son, daughter-in-law and our two (soon to be three!) wonderful grandchildren. Family means everything to us, and the grandkids certainly keep us young.

I’ve always loved working with people, and over my 28 years at Havebury I’ve held a variety of roles – from Receptionist and Customer Advisor to my current post as Resident Experience Coordinator. Each role has given me the chance to connect with residents and make a positive difference to their lives.

Before joining Havebury, I spent 10 years at Bupa building strong relationships with customers and consultants. My path into housing was a little unconventional – I even missed my first interview due to chicken pox – but I believe fate had a hand in it, and I haven’t looked back since.

Along the way, I’ve been part of some fantastic projects, from managing our garage rental service to helping shape myHavebury and overseeing complaints. After nearly three decades, I’ve picked up plenty of knowledge (and a bit of a reputation – apparently “if Jane doesn’t know, it’s not happening!”). I’m not sure about that, but I do know that supporting people and finding solutions is what I enjoy most.

I’m originally from London, but I now live in Essex with my wife, Gill.

I’ve worked in the electrical trade for around 40 years, so I’ve seen a huge variety of homes, requirements and solutions over the years. I originally came to work with Havebury on a temporary basis during a particularly busy spell, just for a month. That was two and a half years ago – and I’m still here!

Havebury really allows me to be myself in my role. Through the training and development opportunities, I’ve learned to think more about the company as a whole and the people within it when making decisions at work.

My favourite thing about working here is definitely the people. I work with a caring and dedicated team, and we have a good laugh too!

Outside of work, I have four grandchildren who keep me busy! I also enjoy golf and gardening, and my favourite place in the world has to be Corfu.