New operations director for North Wales Housing

20 October 2022
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North Wales Housing has appointed a new Operations Director.

In her new role, Claire Shiland will oversee a diverse team of around 130 employees and the strategic direction of general housing, supported housing, older persons’ housing, customer services, maintenance, asset services, customer experience and community partnership projects.

Claire joins North Wales Housing from Grŵp Cynefin. She first started in housing in 2002 and other previous experience includes working for Cartrefi Conwy and Anglesey Local Authority. Claire was the first Direct Entry Inspector at North Wales Police prior to returning to housing.

She said: “Coming back into the housing sector after three years at North Wales Police has been a fantastic experience and working in Grŵp Cynefin has confirmed to me why I love working in this sector.

“The culture, ambition and agile approach at North Wales Housing really appealed to me and I am really looking forward to reconnecting with the many people there who I’ve already worked with and of course getting to know the rest of the North Wales Housing family.”

The opening for the role followed the departure of Brett Sadler who left North Wales Housing to take up a Chief Executive post at West Highlands Housing Association in Scotland.

North Wales Housing Chief Executive Helena Kirk said: “We are delighted to welcome Claire to the team. Her extensive experience and understanding of the area and sector will be key in ensuring we continue to deliver a significant positive impact in North Wales.

“We have a clear objective to provide the services our customers want, to a standard which increases customer satisfaction and at a cost which ensures value for money. Claire’s appointment will allow us to build on the work already done towards achieving this.

“Attracting such a high-calibre candidate, with Welsh language skills to match our tenants’ wishes and needs, shows how our investment in people and agile working is helping to retain and bring talent so we can realise our corporate plan targets.”