Welcome to WISH North West.

Helen has over 15 years of experience in Change and Transformation, having transitioned from policing to housing in 2018.

As Chair of the WISH NW Board, Helen is deeply passionate about supporting the development of women in the workplace, advocating for greater access to opportunities, mentorship, and breaking down the barriers women often face. She is excited to contribute to the WISH NW community, fostering a positive and empowering network for women in housing.

Outside of her professional life, Helen is a proud mother of two, an avid festival enthusiast, and passionate about fitness, starting to dip her toe into duathlons.

Amy is an Associate Solicitor at MSB Solicitors and has over 16 years experience dealing specifically with social housing litigation acting for both Registered Social Landlords and Tenants. Amy has a passion for all aspects housing litigation.

Amy completed the Bar Vocational Course in 2005 and Cross Qualified as a Solicitor in 2008. Her expertise is in all aspects of Housing Management including Possession and Injunction Proceedings, Compliance and Disrepair. Her current role comprises of conducting litigation, advocacy, reviewing and policies and procedures.

Amy is passionate about empowering women and helping break down the barriers which prevent women from achieving success.

She is also a mum to two young children and in her spare time loves baking and running.

Gemma has worked in housing development and regeneration for 20 years, taking up roles in Registered Providers, Private consultancy and a Local Authority. She is currently Director of Regeneration and New Homes at Weaver Vale Housing Trust in Cheshire, leading a team delivering an ambitious programme of new home delivery and regeneration projects across Cheshire and Warrington. She is also responsible for the sale and management of shared ownership homes and the letting of all rented homes.

Qualifications include a BA (Hons) in Economic and Social Studies and a MA in Real Estate Development. She was nominated for Young Achiever in Housing Development at the Women in Housing Awards in 2015.

Gemma attended WISH events for a number of years prior to becoming a Board member and has been a Board member for 5 years. She is committed to supporting and encouraging women in the sector to achieve their potential and personal ambition and to overcome barriers to do this and believes WISH is a great vehicle to do that.

Outside of work, Gemma has a two young daughters who keep her very busy.  She enjoys walks with her family and is trying to learn to be a better cook!

Maya is an ACA qualified accountant and works as an external audit manager at Beever and Struthers; she works with a wide range of housing associations to support their finance functions and deliver a high quality external audit.

Maya has worked in audit for over 6 years, training at a Big 4 Firm before making the move to Beever and Struthers to work with not-for-profit clients, such as social housing clients that are more aligned to her personal values of making a positive and authentic impact.

Since beginning her career within finance at 18, she has been proud when looking up to women in leadership positions and seeing trailblazing women in a typically male dominated sector. As Maya moves forward in her career, she is striving to encourage more diversity both within Finance and the Housing Sector by bringing her ideas for events to WISH NW and promoting the brilliant work the organisation does.

Maya’s perfect weekend is going on a long walk with her dachshund then curling up on the sofa with a book!

With over 20 years of experience in the Social Housing Sector, Claire Bailey-Jones is a dynamic senior leader at Novus Property Solutions, where she drives strategic growth and innovative marketing. A qualified building surveyor with a keen interest in Zero Carbon, Claire has been instrumental in delivering technical solutions that meet client needs while leading Novus’ ‘Sustain’ centre of excellence. Her work focuses on providing practical solutions that help Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) create warmer homes and improve energy efficiency in their housing stock.

Claire is passionate about fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their ‘whole self to work’ regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, or gender.

She plays an active role on the WISH board and within the WiN (Women in Novus) Network, championing empowerment and inclusion for women and under-represented groups. Having been one of only three female representatives in her degree cohort, Claire is deeply committed to unlocking leadership opportunities for women in the sector. Through WISH, she mentors and supports aspiring female leaders, driving change toward a more inclusive industry.

Outside of her professional commitments, Claire volunteers her time at the ‘Bereavement Café,’ a charity linked to Widowed and Young, offering support to those facing unexpected loss. Trained in ‘grief and loss language,’ she provides CV guidance, interview coaching, and compassionate support to those navigating bereavement.

Away from work, Claire is married with two daughters and is an avid equestrian. Most of her spare time is dedicated to horses, supporting her eldest daughter, who competes at a national level as part of the Lancashire and Cheshire academy teams in Show Jumping, and enjoying the vibrant equestrian community.

Jauharah Salim (Jo), having worked and volunteered in public services for over 20 years, I took my first steps in social housing in 2014. My background has a combination of working within public service, local authorities, including charity, Community and Youth Work (a level 3 JNC endorsed).

I am the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer at One Manchester,  and I am  passionate about EDI.  It is vital that voices are heard and represented. I promote inclusion in all I do and believe that each person should have the opportunity to strive and challenge stereotypes. We all have valid needs and uniqueness. With lived experience, I know how invisible hurdles can hinder lives

I am a qualified Mental Health First Aider and volunteer my time with local Salford Muslim Forum, in partnership with Salford City Council, Greater Manchester police and local councillors. Salford Hate Crime Initiative - in partnership with Salford City Council, the CPS and Greater Manchester Police.

Away from work I love family time with my husband and our little one! I do what I can to keep fit whilst being so busy, and you’ll often find me supporting charity events, human rights protest and trying to be a good human being!

I am delighted to be a part of WISH NW and who we represent.

Sophie started in the business as a Marketing Assistant. After graduating in Business Management, Sophie progressed her career and was an instrumental part of the Seddon to Novus rebrand. Sophie received industry acclaim for this work, receiving a highly commended award for Young Marketer of the Year at the Construction Marketing Awards 2013.

Today Sophie is a Non-Executive Director and a shareholder of JSSH. During the course of her career, Sophie has been responsible for the business’ marketing, people, corporate responsibility and customer functions. As Non-Executive Director, Sophie acts as a critical friend to the executive team and ensures the business is living its values as well as delivering on its strategy. Sophie is very interested in Novus’ people strategies particularly aspects including diversity, sustainability and ensuring that we leave a positive impact in everything we do. She is also extremely passionate about customer experience and innovation. As well as her involvement with Novus, Sophie is also the Chair for BITC NW and a board trustee for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Away from the working environment Sophie loves to read and take part in a variety of sports including skiing, running, tennis, yoga and horse riding. She also enjoys cooking and eating out with family and friends as well as spending time with her two daughters and pets.

Louise is an ACA qualified accountant and a qualified chartered tax adviser, and works as a tax director at Grant Thornton; she works with a wide range of housing associations regularly delivering tax advice on their tax compliance obligations, development activities and group re-organisations.

Louise has worked in tax for over 16 years. She graduated from Lancaster University with a first-class Business Studies degree, went on to train at a Big 4 Firm before making the move to Grant Thornton to work with not-for-profit clients, such as social housing clients that are more aligned to her personal values.

Louise attended WISH events for several years prior to becoming a Board member and believes that WISH is a forum for personal growth and for women to help other women succeed in the sector. She wants to help women in the sector to develop new ideas and share best practice through thought provoking workshops and networking opportunities.  

Outside of work, Louise enjoys travelling, trips to the theatre and walks with her family, curling up on the sofa with a good book and when time allows going to the odd Bolton Wanderers match.

Liz Sidgwick is a Project Manager, delivering property developments of varying sizes and across multiple sectors in and around the north of England. With a background in architecture Liz has significant experience across a wide-range of public sector projects in the Education, Residential, Commercial sectors.

Liz is a highly-organised and enthusiastic individual, who brings to the table a pragmatic and down-to-earth sensibility, who is using her background in managing various CPD programmes to continue the delivery of the WISH learning event programme.

Liz is also a Primary School governor and enjoys giving back to her local community through this role.

In her spare time, she is an avid reader, paints and runs half-marathons.

Jen is a Recruitment Director and has spent the last two decades partnering with Social Housing clients across various disciplines within the sector.

At Andersen James, Jen now leads the Sub-Executive Search and Interim Practice for the Housing team in the North.

Due to her time within the sector, Jen’s knowledge of current trends, legislation and shifts has been recognised by both peers and clients alike as one of the best in the industry.

Jen has a real passion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion working with clients to ensure everyone is given the same opportunities to move their careers forward.  As well as this, she likes to get involved from a Social Value perspective offering employability services such as CV Writing or Interview Technique Workshops.

Jen became involved with WISH by taking part in events as a speaker, eventually applying for a Board role. She is passionate about supporting women to enhance and move forward their careers and help grow the WISH Network.

Outside of work, Jen is a single mum to a 12-year old son. She enjoys hiking in the lake district and peak district and is an avid wild swimmer taking part in the Great North Swim for the last two years! She is a big music fan and loves to attend live music events.