The Customer Committee is a new standing committee of Great Places’ Board, which will add value by providing lived experience and expertise directly from customers. The Committee provides an important link between the Board and customers, who can hold Great Places to account on all customer-related matters. It will make sure that service updates and improvements for customers are delivered effectively with customer feedback in mind.
Patrick has a wealth of business experience with more than 26 years at Berendsen, spending 9 years as Regional Director and was a Director at Jewson. He is passionate about supporting organisations with their strategy for sustainable business growth, people and team development and their well-being. He is Non-Executive Director at Ubico Ltd and a Trustee at Forward Education Trust.
He has strong strategic, planning, operations, and commercial skills in the UK markets in B2B and B2C, including the public sector, and has extensive experience in leading account management, strategy for multi-million-pound contracts and delivering service excellence.
Nicki has over 20 years’ experience creating and executing data-driven, customer-focused technology and data strategies, and has worked across private and public sector in multiple industries.
She has done Board advisory work, as well as holding various senior leadership roles. She was Chief Technology Officer at Irwin Mitchell (legal and financial services) for almost five years, and prior to that Head of IS Strategy and Digital Services at Electricity North West, and lead technology strategist at the British Library.
Nicki has a passion for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and regularly speaks at events about the importance of diverse technology teams, and about engaging young people and school children to help develop the workforce of the future.
Naomi has been a Plumlife/Great Places customer for almost 5 years and is currently living in New Islington, near to Manchester City Centre.
Naomi works as a Communications and Engagement Manager, and her passion lies in connecting with people through creative activities and delivering engaging experiences.
Outside of work, you can find her delving into a good book, practicing meditation, and travelling abroad to new destinations.
She is keen to expand her knowledge of the housing sector and is looking forward to drawing from her own upbringing in various housing environments to support the Customer Committee. Whether it’s tackling the challenges of the cost of living crisis or championing initiatives like Anchor Neighbourhoods, Naomi is ready to support the Committee and make a difference to the lives of Great Places customers.
Kimberley has been a resident of Great Places for 6 years and lives in Bolton, Greater Manchester with her 4 children.
She currently works part-time caring for a local lady with a degenerative lung condition. Her past career has been Customer Service focussed in Education, local authority and the not-for-profit sectors. She is also a competent administrator specifically in accounting.
Kimberley’s spare time is mostly spent with her children outdoors. She is a keen singer/songwriter and enjoys keeping fit and healthy.
Her hope is to help find solutions to better relations between both tenants and employees of Great Places and she promises to use her wealth of customer service experience, alongside her lived experience of mental health, physical disabilities, domestic abuse, racism, financial difficulties, parenting and more to hopefully offer compassion and understanding to be a voice for those that need one.
Ali and his wife have been living in Sheffield since 2021, enjoying their home as housing association tenants. Ali works as a freelance interpreter, helping people communicate effectively.
Outside of work, Ali loves walking and hiking, especially in the beautiful Peak District. He’s a football enthusiast and enjoys watching matches. Ali is a friendly and social person who likes meeting new people and learning from their experiences.
Living in Sheffield, Ali brings a mix of professional skills, a love for outdoor activities, and a friendly attitude to his community.
Sam has been a resident of Great Places for 13 years and lives in Bolton, Greater Manchester.
She currently works full-time at Bolton College as the Coordinator of The Progression Service. Her role involves ensuring that young adults with Special Educational Needs experience a smooth and supported transition into and out of further education. She has previously been a lecturer of psychology within further education.
Sam enjoys spending her free time with friends and family and going on long walks with her dog, Queenie.
Her work in transitions and her own experience of transitioning through several different levels of supportive tenancies has given her a keen insight into the importance of tenants being provided with the right property, with the right level of support, at the right time.
She has been a resident of Great Places since May 2022. She is a Mentor/Teaching Assistant at a special education school supporting children with ADHD, Autism and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) issues. Her work role consists of helping children manage their emotions and behaviour, encouraging them to engage with work or any practical education and supporting their personal growth.
Sheleigh’s intention with the Committee is to help have an impact, ensuring that the residents of Great Places feel heard, and that the organisation is effectively executing their aims with customer satisfaction, allowing there to be a mutual respect and understanding between both parties.
Outside of work Sheleigh enjoys spending time with her family, making memories and finding ways to grow and develop on a personal level.
Sarah has been a tenant with Great Places for over five years, and her connection with the organisation goes back more than ten years. During that time, Sarah attended several courses and community groups supported by Great Places, which played a significant role in building her confidence and developing her skills.
Sarah is currently a Wellbeing and Support Coordinator at her local community hub and café, The Welcome, where she has now worked for nearly eight years. In this role, Sarah support local residents—many of whom are also Great Places tenants—by providing a welcoming environment and access to support.
Sarah is looking forward to learning more about the social housing sector and Great Places and she enjoys spending her spare time with family and staying actively involved in her local community through projects and events. She is particularly passionate about mental health and wellbeing, and is always looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and develop her skills in this area.
The Customer Committee is responsible for contributing to the success of Great Places Housing Group. The overall responsibilities/behaviours we expect of Committee Members are as follows:
