Helen retired in 2019 after having worked in the public sector for thirty nine years, she became professionally qualified in housing whilst working for the London Borough of Camden and extended her professional portfolio into Human Resources and Organisational Development with Leeds City Council. In 2005 she became Chief Executive with Leeds South Homes before joining Berneslai Homes in 2007 as Chief Executive.

Helen has extensive governance experience having held positions of Chair of Leeds Federated Housing Association, Board Director of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and Chair of Sheffield City Region Housing Provider Forum. Currently Helen is a Board Director with Accent Housing Limited and chairs their Customer Experience Committee.

Helen’s touchstone in her approach to work has always been about the customer being at the heart of everything and ensuring that they influence the strategic direction of services and recognising the impact and influence they can have on their community and place. Her leadership style is all about collaboration, empowerment and making a difference by doing the right thing.

Helen has been a Governor at Barnsley College since 2017 and is currently Vice Chair, sitting on the Governance and Search and Remuneration Committees whilst also being the link governor for Safeguarding and Prevent.