Meet Kathryn, Staffs Housing's new Head of Compliance

Changes in regulation mean we’re investing in our health, safety and compliance services to keep you safe at home. That’s why we welcomed new Head of Compliance Kathryn to our Staffs Housing team last October.

The compliance team make sure that all our homes are health and safety compliant. They’ll check things like fire doors, fire risk assessments, smoke detectors and extractor fans.

Head of the team Kathryn brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge in the housing sector. She has spent time working at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and other housing associations.

Originally from Stoke-on-Trent, Kathryn says she’s happy to be working in her hometown again.

“I have felt so welcomed by everyone at Staffs Housing. It’s such a friendly place and it’s great to be back in Stoke-on-Trent”, said Kathryn.

“I moved back to the area five years ago, with my partner Martin, to buy our own home.

“Before coming to Staffs Housing, I was overseeing the compliance for one of the biggest hospitals in Europe: the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“I did this during the pandemic, which was challenging but rewarding to know I was helping to support the front line.”

Kathryn has big plans for 2023 and shares what she’s hoping to achieve.

“We’re hoping to continue our work with fire risk assessments across schemes with communal areas. We’ll be sharing the findings with you very soon.

“We’ll also be inspecting fire doors this year. Changes in legislation means we need to check fire and front doors depending on the scheme or village you live in. Don’t worry, we’ll be in touch if your door needs inspecting. 

“Your home should have a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector installed if you have a gas boiler installed. This year we’ll be testing them along with your gas safety check. We’ll be making sure to check yours at least every five years and will be in touch if it’s due.”

In her spare time Kathryn is a keen crafter, dog mum, proud step mum and loves to travel.

“Our rescue puppy is 9 months old and is spoilt rotten - as all dogs should be! Dylan is my world. We love nothing more than sitting outside the village pub by the canal watching the world go by.

“I’m creative and love to craft. I’m part of my village’s local group where we meet up for a natter and get the creative juices flowing.

“Martin has two children Corey and Isabelle and I’m so proud to say that I’m their step mum. Our house is undergoing a full renovation to make space for a games room for them.

“When I’m not a work, I love spending my annual leave and weekends at our caravan on the Welsh Coast. We try to get to it as often as we can and even love going in the winter! There’s nothing better than beach campfires and toasting marshmallows while snuggling up to the puppy.”