Every Home Matter: Purpose, Leadership and Social Impact

For many working in social housing and retrofit today, the journey into the sector is rarely linear. For Judy, now Managing Director at Fortem, her career path has been shaped by determination, curiosity and a deep-rooted belief in the impact that safe, warm homes can have on people’s lives.  “My career didn’t start in housing, and it definitely wasn’t a straight line,” she reflects.

Leaving school at 16, Judy began her working life across a wide range of roles, from catering and care homes to plastic fabricating, before eventually managing the finances for a local car mechanic. It was during this time that she made the decision to return to education - a turning point that would ultimately lead her into a finance role within a Local Authority, and from there, into social housing.

Through her early experiences in the sector, Judy began to see first-hand the difference that good housing can make.  “I learnt that when someone has a home that is safe, warm and well maintained, it makes a huge difference to their wellbeing and stability,” she explains.  That realisation has remained with her and shaped her long-term career direction.  “For me, every home really does matter,” she says.

A career shaped by experience and perspective

After spending a decade within a Local Authority working across DLO and development, Judy made a bold decision to step away and gain new life experience, moving to the United States for two years.  “It opened my eyes to the difference housing and projects can make to people’s lives and long-term opportunities,” she reflects.

Returning to the UK, Judy briefly resumed her previous role before moving into a finance position at Willmott Dixon. There, she developed a broader understanding of business operations through a central group finance role spanning multiple areas of the organisation.  However, it was her move to Fortem social housing specialists within the  Willmott Dixon Group, that proved transformational.  “I felt a much stronger connection to the tangible impact of the services we deliver,” she explains.

Over the past 19 years, Judy has built an extensive career within the business, progressing from Management Accountant to Financial Controller, then Finance Director, and most recently, Managing Director.

Leadership through learning and culture

Throughout those 19 years, Judy has experienced a wide range of leadership styles -from autocratic to visionary - each shaping her own approach.  “These experiences taught me that how you lead people, and how you encourage them to push themselves forward within a no-blame culture, truly brings out the best in everyone,” she says.

Judy firmly believes that mistakes and challenges are essential to growth.

“Making mistakes and navigating challenges creates some of the greatest opportunities for learning,” she explains.

Although her career began in finance, over time she found herself increasingly drawn to the wider purpose of social housing - something she credits as key to her progression into senior leadership.  “It’s a sector where you can use professional skills whilst also making a meaningful social impact,” she says.

The importance of collaboration and connection

For Judy, success in the sector is rooted in collaboration, community understanding and the ability to translate strategy into meaningful outcomes.  “Social housing teaches you very quickly that improving homes and communities is always a collective effort,” she explains. “Strong partnerships matter.”

These experiences have very much shaped how Judy leads today, supporting both the growth of the business and the people within it.  “Leadership is about creating a shared sense of purpose and giving people the space to bring their ideas forward,” she explains.

Over time, Judy’s leadership style has evolved significantly.  “It’s become much more focused on listening, empowering teams and making sure the work we do stays connected to the communities we serve,” she adds.

Purpose as a driving force

Like many careers, Judy’s journey has included challenges and moments of change. However, she views these experiences as essential in building resilience and perspective.  “Those are the times I’ve probably learnt the most,” she reflects.

What has remained constant though is her motivation.  “What has always kept me motivated is the purpose behind the work. Improving people’s homes and investing in the Fortem family,” she says.

One particularly defining moment came from observing a senior leader she deeply respected.

“He spoke about our customers with genuine emotion and frustration when he believed a decision hadn’t been made in their best interest,” she recalls.

That experience reinforced a principle that continues to guide her leadership today.  “It showed me the importance of never being afraid to do what’s right for our customers,” she says.

A strategy for the future

A more recent milestone in Judy’s career has been the launch of Fortem’s ‘For Our Future’ strategy - a moment she describes as both significant and transformative.  “It was the most collaborative approach we’ve taken, bringing people in from across the business together to shape it,” she explains.

That collaborative process not only strengthened the strategy, but also reinforced the organisation’s focus on culture, empowerment and long-term impact.  A central element of this strategy is our retrofit workstream and improving the energy efficiency of homes.

“For me, this work is about much more than upgrading buildings,” Judy says. “It’s about helping people live in homes that are warmer, healthier and more affordable to run.”

A national opportunity

Looking ahead, Judy sees the government’s Warm Homes Plan as a defining opportunity for the sector.  “It represents a huge opportunity to improve homes across the country, tackle fuel poverty and support the transition to net zero,” she explains.

Judy believes the programme aligns closely with Fortem’s ethos.  “At its heart, it’s about improving people’s everyday lives,” she says.

Skills for the future

Delivering change at this scale will require a workforce with diverse skills and backgrounds.  Over the next decade, Judy expects growing demand for roles in retrofit coordination, project management, digital and data, and technical installation. However, she is equally clear that the sector needs a broader mix of skills.  “There are opportunities across every part of the industry - from finance and customer engagement through to leadership and strategy,” she explains.

Her own career path is proof of this.  “I started in finance, which shows there are many different pathways into this industry,” she says.

Creating opportunities for women

As the sector grows, Judy believes attracting a more diverse workforce is essential.

“Bringing different perspectives into the sector helps us design better solutions for the communities we serve,” she says.

She has long believed that diversity strengthens both businesses and individuals.

“If we bring a diverse group of people together, it creates the right level of discussion and skills to move forward and grow,” she explains.

Raising awareness and inspiring the next generation

If there is one change Judy would like to see, it is greater awareness of the sector’s purpose.  “Many people simply don’t realise how much impact this sector has,” she says. “This is work that improves people’s lives every single day.”

What gives her optimism is the growing recognition of housing’s role in wider society.  “There is now real momentum behind improving homes and developing green skills,” she explains.

Judy believes this will play a key role in attracting more women and young people into the industry.

A message for the future

For women and girls considering a career in social housing, repairs, retrofit or capital works, Judy’s message is clear.  “There is absolutely a place for you here,” she says.

It is a sector that offers both purpose and opportunity - a chance to build a meaningful career while making a genuine difference.

For the next generation, she believes the timing could not be more important.  “The work we’re doing today - improving homes, tackling fuel poverty, enhancing communities and supporting the transition to net zero - will shape communities for generations to come,” she says.  “And there are few careers more rewarding than that.”