One to watch – Harry Clarke, finance business partner, CHP

Tell us about how you first came to work in housing.

While I was searching for finance roles to apply to once I finished my management and sustainability degree, I came across the role of finance graduate at a housing association in Essex. I was drawn to working at a charitable organisation rather than a for-profit company.
I also liked the idea of contributing something positive to Essex, where I’m originally from.

During my two-and-a-half years at CHP, I’ve progressed from finance graduate to finance business partner.

What’s your proudest work moment or biggest achievement?

When I moved into my new role, I was tasked with producing CHP’s inaugural environmental, social and governance (ESG) report. I had never produced anything like this before, but I’m passionate about businesses reporting their sustainability performance in a transparent way, so I was excited for the challenge.

I worked with all areas of the business to gather responses for the 48 reporting criteria under the ESG categories. I collaborated closely with our corporate finance and communications teams to produce a report that aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It was a great feeling to have helped CHP in producing such an important report for the first time.

And what has been your hardest moment?

I’m currently studying to be a certified accountant. Studying and working full time is definitely a challenge; exam season is particularly difficult when I’m trying to juggle work and revision.

Who has been the most important person in your career so far?

When I joined CHP, I was assigned a mentor as part of the graduate programme. I was lucky enough to be assigned to our chief operating officer at the time, Kate Franklin [now chief executive of Gateway Housing]. Kate and I met on a monthly basis where we would discuss issues in the housing sector, how our roles were going and any challenges we were facing. Kate’s knowledge and advice has been invaluable in navigating the early years of my career in housing.

If you could change one thing about the sector, what would it be?

In my opinion, the key challenges in the sector today are the accessibility and sustainability of homes. We need a housing market that’s within reach to those in the greatest need by increasing the number of homes we provide. With this in mind, I would like to see the government provide a clear path to reaching carbon net zero. This would include incentives for developers to make new homes more sustainable.

Making new homes more efficient will help prevent fuel poverty and reduce the environmental impact.