Women in Social Housing (WISH) North West

Meet board member Gemma Wood. 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 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 Women in Social Housing (WISH) North West 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!

We have had an amazing morning celebrating International Women’s Day 2025. Thank you to our speakers Sarah Payling, Musonda Veronica M., Lauren Calvert and Francesca Halsall oly for such inspiring, thought provoking speeches. Thank you to our Chair Helen L Scott for hosting and The Women's Organisation Liverpool for welcoming us to their lovely venue. This morning wasn’t just about celebrating women it was about lifting each other up, recognising our shared strength and motivating each other to push boundaries and to continue to drive change #iwd2025

Meet Women in Social Housing (WISH) North West board member Liz Sidgwick (nee Brown). Liz 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.

Meet Women in Social Housing (WISH) North West board member Sophie Seddon. Sophie started at Novus Property Solutions 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.

We are thrilled to share some more information on our incredible speakers for Thursday's International Women's Day Event. Last, but by no means least, we have Sarah Payling from Ocean Media Sarah is Managing Director (housing) at Ocean Media, and founder of Unlock Net Zero, NED, trustee, curator of the NW, SE, Midlands women in housing leadership and is passionate about it all.

We are thrilled to share some more information on our incredible speakers for Thursday's International Women's Day Event. Next up, we have Francesca Halsall Francesca is Portfolio Manager for Marine Programmes at Babcock International Group covering International shipbuilding and maintenance programmes, advanced manufacturing and Nuclear Submarine Disposals for the UK Navy and our Allies. Prior to this she spent a decade pursuing a career as a professional swimmer becoming a 3-time Olympian, World, Commonwealth and European Champion

Meet Women in Social Housing (WISH) North West board member Jauharah S.. Jo has worked and volunteered in public services for over 20 years, and took her first steps in social housing in 2014. Her background has a combination of working within public service, local authorities, including charity, Community and Youth Work (a level 3 JNC endorsed). She is the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer at One Manchester, and is passionate about EDI. She considers it is vital that voices are heard and represented. She promotes inclusion in all that she does and believes that each person should have the opportunity to strive and challenge stereotypes. We all have valid needs and uniqueness. With lived experience, she is aware how invisible hurdles can hinder lives She is a qualified Mental Health First Aider and volunteers her 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 she loves family time with her husband and her little one! She does what she can to keep fit whilst being so busy, and you’ll often find her supporting charity events, human rights protests and trying to be a good human being!

We are thrilled to share some more information on our incredible speakers for Thursday's International Women's Day Event. Next up, we have Musonda Veronica Malama Musonda exemplifies the transformative power of saying "yes" to the unknown. A child of a single immigrant mother who journeyed from Zambia to the UK, Musonda's remarkable evolution from law graduate to global digital transformation leader demonstrates how embracing uncertainty can lead to extraordinary success.

We are thrilled to share some more information on our incredible speakers for Thursday's International Women's Day Event. First up, we have Lauren Calvert from MARCHON Lauren is Managing Director of MARCHON Supplements, leading the brand’s rapid growth & innovation in the nutrition performance Market. Previously, Head of Sport & Fitness at Vitamin Well UK, playing key role in expanding the brand’s presence in the UK market. A competitive CrossFit and HYROX athlete, with a passion for pushing limits, both in business and sport, dedicated to empowering women to reach their full potential.

Meet board member Jen Radcliffe. Jen is a Recruitment Director with two decades of experience partnering with Social Housing clients across various disciplines. At Anderson James, she leads the Sub-Executive Search for the Social Housing team. Recognised for her sector knowledge, Jen stays ahead of trends, legislation, and industry shifts. She’s passionate about Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, collaborating with clients to create equal career opportunities, and actively supports Social Value initiatives like CV writing and interview workshops. Jen is involved with Women in Social Housing (WISH) North West, starting as a speaker and now serving on the Board, championing women's career progression, and expanding the network. Outside work, Jen is a single mum to a 12-year-old son. She enjoys hiking in the Lake and Peak Districts, wild swimming — including the Great North Swim — and attending live music events.