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One to watch – Sioned Wyn Williams, who works for a social enterprise owned by Cartrefi Conwy Housing Association
In our series of Q&As with tomorrow’s leaders, this month’s one to watch is Sioned Wyn Williams, creating futures manager at Creating Enterprise – a social enterprise which is a subsidiary of Cartrefi Conwy Housing Association which employs tenants to work alongside its repairs and maintenance teams
Tell us about your job.
I work as part of, and oversee, the work carried out by the creating futures team at Creating Enterprise.
We employ tenants on 12-month, fixed-term contracts. They work alongside our property maintenance teams, refurbishing kitchens and bathrooms, painting, doing environmental maintenance and voids clearance.
We mentor them, preparing them for their next step at the end of their contract with us.
We also have volunteering opportunities for local people who either want to gain new skills and work experience, or who want to get involved with our well-being team, which involves carrying out regular phone calls and supporting tenants with shopping and prescription pick-ups.
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What did you want to be when you grew up?
I had no idea. A careers advisor told me I should live in France because I enjoyed French at school. No real career options were discussed.
“Growing up, I didn’t even know that jobs like this existed”
When it was time to apply for a university course, I just chose something I knew I would enjoy.
I studied sociology and criminology, which increased my fascination with people, social inequalities, social mobility and wanting to make a difference.
Tell us how you first came to work in housing.
I had worked on a Wales-wide digital inclusion project, working closely with housing associations. I naively thought about social landlords like any other private landlord. When I discovered the real world of housing, I knew that was the next step for me.
I applied for a digital officer role at a local housing association and worked there for just under 12 months before I joined Creating Enterprise. I had the opportunity to work in their hostels and supported housing schemes.
What’s your proudest work moment or biggest achievement?
Being able to play my part in steering the development and growth of the team. At one point, it was just me and my line manager.
Today, we are a team of 14 and we continue to grow. I’m fortunate to see the difference people make to their own lives. We have built an incredible team; they go above and beyond every day.
What has been your hardest moment?
Developing close relationships with individuals is always going to have its tough moments.
Despite a number of support networks, sometimes it’s not the right time for someone, or people may not be ready to make any changes.
Who has been the most important person in your career – and why?
Without a doubt, my line manager and our director of partnerships for social value, Sharon Jones. Sharon was founder and chief executive of an award-winning social enterprise for 18 years before she moved on to help establish Creating Enterprise.
She is passionate about making a difference, she’s driven – and I can’t help but find that really contagious.
If you could change one thing about the sector, what would it be?
We should be doing more to promote the career opportunities in the sector. Growing up, I didn’t even know that jobs like this existed.
It is varied, exciting and there are so many opportunities to see what a real difference you can make.
Do you know an outstanding professional early in their career who deserves to be featured? Email jess.mccabe@insidehousing.co.uk with your suggestions
One to Watch series
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
Vicky Gladden – quality and practice lead, BCHA
Yağmur Arduç – assistant bid manager, Morgan Sindall Property Services
Nivene Powell – head of communities, EcoWorld London
Jeanette Tolhurst – scheme manager, Hightown
Harry Clarke – finance business partner, CHP
Jasmine Tansur – resident liaison officer, Midlands, PA Housing
Georgina Bavetta – service manager, tenancy sustainment, Islington Council
Taranjit Kaur Chana – senior client services manager, Home Group
Sarah Russell – vice-chair, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group
Chloe Winson – assistant surveyor, Greatwell Homes
Melissa Young – scheme manager, Housing 21
Hugh Gatenby – development analyst, Homes England
Sioned Wyn Williams – creating futures manager, Creating Enterprise (part of Cartrefi Conwy)
Avril Roberts – development project manager, RHP
Kath Menzies – housing services officer, Link Housing
