Gemma White looks at this week’s movers and shakers
Adrian Walshe
Chichester District Community Housing has appointed Adrian Walshe as housing services manager. He will be responsible for leading on tenancy and estate management, allocations and lettings and supported housing teams.

Ann Marie Dixon-Barrow
Ann Marie is the newest board member at New Islington and Hackney Housing Association. She has previously served as a board member for Providence Row Housing Association and is chief executive of FullEmploy, an organisation that aims to give ethnic minorities better employment opportunities.

Claire Grant
Claire has left Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council to join Bromford Housing Group as a benefits officer. Claire will advise clients on housing and welfare benefit issues.

Terry Tombs
Terry Tombs joins Castle Vale Housing Association as a housing manager. Terry takes up the newly created post from his previous work with Castle Vale Housing Action Trust. He will be responsible for all housing operations at the association.

Rois Ali
Rois joins Mercian Housing Group after he was co-opted onto the board of management. Rois is a tenants’ forum member and has set up and run several initiatives. He will be attending board and committee meetings for the association.

Piers Williamson
Piers is the Housing Finance Board’s new deputy chief executive. He has been director of corporate finance for HFC bank. He will develop and implement THFC’s strategy in issuing asset-backed securities to fund housing associations.

Job of the week

Name
Claire Gill
New job
Floating support worker, Colne Housing
Previous job
In supported housing for Nacro, helping single homeless people with mental health problems.
Job specification
“I support vulnerable tenants in maintaining their tenancies, budgeting, accessing benefits and with day-to-day living skills. The help I offer depends on the tenant and their needs. The work is very fulfilling – I like to help people do things that the rest of us take for granted.
If you were housing minister, what would you do?
“I’d like to see much more affordable housing to rent. I’d like to see a lot more support given to people with mental health problems. We only ever see negative publicity surrounding mental health issues and never look at the positive stories. There are thousands of people with mental health or drug and alcohol addiction issues who have got through it and now live a fulfilling normal life.”
Favourite book
“Pride and Prejudice.”
Favourite TV programme
“Friends.”
Favourite film
“Grease or Dirty Dancing.”
Hobbies
When I get the time it’s socialising.
What is your housing situation?
Owner-occupier.
Any advice or tips?
I got into the sector through volunteer work which is a good way to gain experience. Be a good communicator, have a sense of humour and the right attitude – and believe in what you do.