Area Manager

• Apr 2022 - Present

City Manager at CityFibre

• Mar 2020 - Present

A key member of the city leadership team, the City Manager is the champion of the Gigabit City with major city stakeholders in one or more Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) cities before, during and after FTTP build.Leading on key local city relationships and opportunity development to ensure all CityFibre vertical market opportunities (in Public Sector, Carrier, Wholesale Channel, Mobile and Consumer) are identified and maximised, key relevant stakeholders are engaged, all key relationships are effectively managed and the reputation of CityFibre is highly positive.

Development and Engagement Manager (Strategic development/ stakeholder/Community Engagement)

• Mar 2015 - Mar 2020

Leading community programmes through strategy development, proactive engagement, education and learning across a network of canals (2,000 miles), river environments, lakes, green spaces and industrial heritage. Delivering national campaigns, policy development and community engagement programmes through an integrated approach to engage with the wider general public and stakeholder groups.COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY / TOURISM STRATEGY- Developing sustainable strategies to empower communities through engagement- Integration with wider tourism strategy (vision) as an environment for everyone- Building relationships through volunteer programmes to change public perceptions- Volunteer groups, local businesses, corporate responsibility, sponsorship, PR / media- Improving overall sustainability for canal system assets (regeneration / local planning)- Leading national campaign to directly engage user groups to promote as destinations- Promotion as tourism destinations, visitor attractions and museums to grow visitors- Custodian for wildlife, heritage, ecology, environmental protection and hydrology- Actively tackling negative issues, emerging issues, conflicts and anti-social behaviour STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT & POLICY DEVELOPMENT- Policy development and direction (priority setting / developing best practice)- Improving education and awareness (information provision and interaction)- PR / Media / Marketing (i.e. brochures, social media, signage, web content)- Events programmes - an enriched programme of events throughout the year- Events - open days, boat shows, canal festivals, museum events and others- Staff / volunteer training programmes (workshops, presentations, speakers)- Interests of local authorities, UK Central Government and community groups- Property developers, boating communities, scientific experts and businesses- Other stakeholder engagement with funding grant bodies and EU stakeholders

Regional Service Manager (Urban Centres)

• 2014 - 2015

Member of the Service Operational Management Team developing service capabilities in two major city hubs (London & Birmingham) to be replicated across other urban centres in the UK. Developed new best practice service model with the purpose of delivering integrated advice and support for tackling poverty and inadequate housing provision. Raised profile through local partnerships and service formation. Member of the Service Operational Management Team developing service capabilities in two major city hubs (London & Birmingham) to be replicated across other urban centres in the UK. Developed new best practice service model with the purpose of delivering integrated advice and support for tackling poverty and inadequate housing provision. Raised profile through local partnerships and service formation.

Community Projects Manager (Community Partnerships)

• 2012 - 2014

Worked for a national grass roots community organisation with offices in London, Birmingham and Manchester by engaging with hard-to-reach people living in areas of multiple deprivations. Developed public-private partnerships from large corporations, voluntary sector and business in the community to provide critical funding and / or actively participate in local schemes.Actively supported start-up organisations through consultancy guidance, information and training to develop initiatives (i.e. Parent Patrol, Keep Streets Clean) and address quality of life / well-being factors. Helped overcome issues (social exclusion, ill-health, unemployment, educational under-achievement) by promoting awareness and healthy living for vulnerable groups through community engagement.

Business Development Manager (Community Programmes)

• 2011 - 2012

Spearheaded community programmes for addressing multiple deprivation / community engagement issues by working closely with third sector organisations on policy development, fundraising strategies and community programmes. Presented training solutions, talent management proposals and leadership development plans to third sector clients. Won funding from National Government, special funding pots and financial institutions specialising in third sector and social enterprise investments. Spearheaded community programmes for addressing multiple deprivation / community engagement issues by working closely with third sector organisations on policy development, fundraising strategies and community programmes. Presented training solutions, talent management proposals and leadership development plans to third sector clients. Won funding from National Government, special funding pots and financial institutions specialising in third sector and social enterprise investments.

Business Development Adviser (Social Enterprises)

• 2009 - 2011

Managed commercial development initiatives to strengthen communities and related organisation through the provision of financial / business support with the allocation of UK Government funds. Worked at the interface between communities, third sector organisations and social enterprises to deliver social investments, funding bids (grants) and wealth-generating community programmes. Managed commercial development initiatives to strengthen communities and related organisation through the provision of financial / business support with the allocation of UK Government funds. Worked at the interface between communities, third sector organisations and social enterprises to deliver social investments, funding bids (grants) and wealth-generating community programmes.

Head of Housing (Regional Development Agency)

• 2006 - 2009

Worked on strategic initiatives on regional economic development and regeneration in the West Midlands (£400 million project funding). Developed housing policy to meet strategic objectives, aligned to community development (economic inclusion), regeneration programmes (key agency / strategic partner relationships) and community programmes (i.e. sustainable housing, policy frameworks, access to services, community engagement). Worked on strategic initiatives on regional economic development and regeneration in the West Midlands (£400 million project funding). Developed housing policy to meet strategic objectives, aligned to community development (economic inclusion), regeneration programmes (key agency / strategic partner relationships) and community programmes (i.e. sustainable housing, policy frameworks, access to services, community engagement).

Head of Neighbourhood Resource (Central England)

• 2003 - 2006

Led strategy development of national, regional and local neighbourhood warden programmes by supporting UK Government roll-out of nationwide schemes (£multi-million national rollout budget). Established regional centres of excellence for capturing activities, training facilities and community engagement. Aligned initiatives to UK Government Sustainable Communities Policy to became a national expert for sharing best practice (developed specialist enforcement training programmes for wardens).

Government Consultant (Community Relations)

• 2000 - 2006

Advised on UK Government community relations, community safety, crime reduction and community cohesion issues - emphasis on integrating societies and improving quality of life for inhabitants. Advised on UK Government community relations, community safety, crime reduction and community cohesion issues - emphasis on integrating societies and improving quality of life for inhabitants.

General Manager (Housing Regeneration Programmes)

• 2000 - 2003

Consultancy guidance for a major housing regeneration programme (collaboration between Accord Housing Association and the local council). Led strategic direction and organisational development to grow financial strength and asset base. Won local, regional and national awards for initiatives. Spearheaded several community development programmes and housing development projects resulting in housing more people, active tenant participation, reduced tenant turnover and higher rents. Transformed local in terms of safety (crime reduction), employment creation (150 jobs) and improved quality of life perceptions.