One to watch – Jeanette Tolhurst, scheme manager, Hightown

Insight09.06.227.00 AM by Jess Mccabe

Jeanette Tolhurst is the scheme manager at Hightown’s Grove Garden Flats in High Wycombe. She is the latest interviewee in Inside Housing’s series on the next generation of housing leaders. Jeanette was recommended by her colleague Rebecca Lee-Richards, communications and marketing officer

Sharelines

Jeanette Tolhurst is the scheme manager at Hightown’s Grove Garden Flats in High Wycombe. She is the latest interviewee in Inside Housing’s series on the next generation of #UKhousing leaders

Tell us about your job.

I am responsible for managing a supported living scheme for adults with learning disabilities. We have eight one-bedroom flats. Every person living there has their own unique needs, with some people needing around-the-clock support.

Ultimately my role is focused on making sure that the service users and staff are safe and supported.

What do I do all day? Well, I am very hands-on. I like to work on the floor, supporting everyone. I cover shifts and support residents with day-to-day tasks, sometimes I am busy at my desk, ordering personal protective equipment and making sure health and safety tasks are completed. The job is really varied. I like to make life easier for my team. I believe that a happy team has a positive impact on the residents.

What did you want to be growing up?

I wanted to be a nurse or a vet. But now that I think of it, I wouldn’t have coped well with putting an animal to sleep.

I wanted to continue caring for people but also learn about the management side of things. I learned so much in my first year and have really enjoy it. Although it can be stressful at times, I love making sure everyone is supported and I enjoy encouraging the service users to go out and become part of the community.

What’s your proudest work moment so far?

It has to be sharing the knowledge I gained from working in special educational needs in the early years sector. I’ve implemented communication techniques, such as Makaton signs and the picture exchange communication system, as well as new sensory activities. This has opened up new ways of communicating that enable service users to become more independent.

And what has been your hardest moment?

The impact of COVID-19. It was very scary and unsettling for the staff and service users.

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

In this role, I would have to say Jessica Wray, my operations manager. We both started during lockdown, and due to the restrictions, we weren’t able to visit other Hightown schemes. She was always checking in on me and was available whenever I had a question.

Overall, my husband has supported me throughout my career and is always there to listen.

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

I’d love to change the perception of the care industry and make wages reflect the amazing work that people do. My team carry on regardless, though – they are all stars!

One to Watch series

Picture: Getty

In our ‘one to watch’ series, we speak to up-and-coming housing leaders. They discuss their job, how they got to where they are and their ambitions for the future.

We aim to feature staff from across the sector.

Click here to nominate yourself or a colleague for inclusion

One to Watch series:

Alicia Walker – head of policy, research and campaigns at Centrepoint

Matthew Beetar – equality, diversity and inclusion specialist at Accent Group

Morgan Lynch – assistant development and delivery manager at Home Group

Rosalyn Springer – partnership manager (social value) at MTVH

Andreia Pinto – senior customer care co-ordinator at L&G Affordable Homes

Chris Collins – homeownership officer at Hightown

Tasmin Ross – HR officer at River Clyde Homes

Kerry Clayton – governance and compliance manager at Elderpark Housing

Eden Bailey – senior head of housing services, Hft