Meet the team behind SKILLS helping as a registered provider to offer key community services in housing services and supported living to become a community support society.
Our People
David Harvey-Evers -
Chair
I’m a passionate believer in the vital service that Skills provides to some of the most vulnerable members of society...I want to ensure that Skills can deliver on its central mission of providing the highest quality support for people with disabilities to live independently.
It has been hugely satisfying to see Skills develop as an organisation in recent years, increasing the number of tenants is supports, delivering a high-quality housing service to more people across a growing number of schemes that it operates.
It has been hugely satisfying to see Skills develop as an organisation in recent years, increasing the number of tenants is supports, delivering a high-quality housing service to more people across a growing number of schemes that it operates.
Philippa Brecknock - Operations Manager
Working for Skills I see first-hand how much independent living can benefit vulnerable people in today’s fast-paced world which seems to leave many people behind.
Skills is giving these individuals (and their families) the chance to build a future in a home where they can live independently as they choose. Hearing stories where tenants have succeeded in something they might not have once thought possible (volunteering, starting college, improving family relations) makes the job feel very worthwhile.
Skills is giving these individuals (and their families) the chance to build a future in a home where they can live independently as they choose. Hearing stories where tenants have succeeded in something they might not have once thought possible (volunteering, starting college, improving family relations) makes the job feel very worthwhile.
Adelaide Hartley - Group Finance Director
After 20 years in corporate finance, I joined Skills Community Housing because I wanted my work to contribute to real positive change in people’s lives. In my role, I’ve built strong financial systems that enable our teams to deliver high-quality housing, support and care. Every spreadsheet, every budget, every decision is made with the wellbeing of our disabled and vulnerable residents in mind. I’m proud to be part of a team that shares my belief in giving back, and together, we’re working to create a future where everyone has the support and dignity they deserve.
Deborah Holdham - Housing Manager
With a background in HR and years in Local Government, moving into the housing sector felt like a natural next step. I’ve always loved working with people, and as a Housing Manager, being part of someone’s journey and hearing their stories is what truly drives me.
Being on the Skills team brings together all my passions especially helping people through life’s ups and downs. From the start, it was clear that Skills Community Housing is deeply committed to providing quality homes and genuine support to some of the most vulnerable in our community.I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated team and excited to see where the journey takes us next
Being on the Skills team brings together all my passions especially helping people through life’s ups and downs. From the start, it was clear that Skills Community Housing is deeply committed to providing quality homes and genuine support to some of the most vulnerable in our community.I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated team and excited to see where the journey takes us next
Maia Wiseman - Finance and Operations Assistant
I am the Finance Assistant with a strong sense of purpose and a deep respect for the work we do in supported living.
I bring a organised approach to managing financial tasks—whether it’s processing invoices, tracking budgets, setting up utility bills or ensuring timely payments—so that the focus can remain where it matters most: providing quality care and support to individuals in our communities.
I take pride in playing a behind-the-scenes role that helps keep services running smoothly, knowing that accurate, transparent financial support is essential in making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
I bring a organised approach to managing financial tasks—whether it’s processing invoices, tracking budgets, setting up utility bills or ensuring timely payments—so that the focus can remain where it matters most: providing quality care and support to individuals in our communities.
I take pride in playing a behind-the-scenes role that helps keep services running smoothly, knowing that accurate, transparent financial support is essential in making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Sarah Steyn - Office
Manager
I really enjoy working at Skills Community Housing as Office Manager because I get to be part of an organisation that genuinely makes a difference.
Knowing we’re helping individuals find stable, supportive homes gives real meaning to what we do every day.
I enjoy keeping things organised, being proactive and thinking creatively. Every day is different and being part of a friendly, collaborative team makes it all the more rewarding.
Knowing we’re helping individuals find stable, supportive homes gives real meaning to what we do every day.
I enjoy keeping things organised, being proactive and thinking creatively. Every day is different and being part of a friendly, collaborative team makes it all the more rewarding.
Adam Powell - Maintenence Manager
Working at Skills is very fulfilling to me on a personal level, and every day is completely different! I could be designing (and building!) a planted garden area one day and troubleshooting an issue within a flat the next. Being able to directly affect lives for the positive is something that brings a smile to my face every day, especially when fixing an issue which for a resident, is a huge deal, but for me is an easy fix!
Being able to clearly see what a benefit we provide every day through conversations with residents and their families is something that has me trying my best for every job.
Being able to clearly see what a benefit we provide every day through conversations with residents and their families is something that has me trying my best for every job.