Meet the team behind SKILLS, a housing provider committed to delivering quality accommodation and supporting inclusive communities. Through our housing services and partnerships with care and support providers, we help people achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life.
Our People
David Harvey-Evers - Chair
I am a passionate believer in the vital role that SKILLS plays in providing high-quality housing for people with additional needs. I am committed to ensuring that SKILLS continues to fulfil its core mission of providing safe, suitable homes that help people live independently and participate fully in their communities.It has been hugely rewarding to see SKILLS grow as an organisation in recent years, increasing the number of tenants it accommodates and extending its high-quality housing services across a growing number of schemes. By working closely with support providers, local authorities, and other partners, SKILLS continues to create opportunities for more people to live independently and thrive within their communities.
Philippa Brecknock - Operations Manager
Working for SKILLS, I see first-hand the difference that safe, secure, and well-managed housing can make to people's lives. Having a place to call home provides stability, choice, and the foundation for people to live independently within their communities.
SKILLS helps people access quality accommodation that meets their needs and aspirations. It is rewarding to see tenants settle into their homes, build connections within their communities, and take positive steps towards achieving their personal goals with the support available to them.
Adam Powell - Maintenence Manager
Working at SKILLS is incredibly rewarding, and no two days are ever the same. One day I might be designing and building a garden area to improve the outdoor environment, and the next I could be resolving a maintenance issue within a tenant’s home.
What I enjoy most is being able to make a positive difference through the work we do. Often, something that is a straightforward fix for me can have a significant impact on a tenant’s day-to-day life. Knowing that I have helped make someone's home safer, more comfortable, or more enjoyable is what makes the role so worthwhile.
Deborah Fraser - Housing Manager
With a background in HR and many years working in Local Government, moving into the housing sector felt like a natural next step. I have always enjoyed working with people, and as a Housing Manager, being part of their housing journey and hearing their stories is what truly motivates me.
Being part of the SKILLS team brings together many of the things I am passionate about, particularly helping people access and maintain quality housing. From the start, it was clear that Skills Community Housing is committed to providing safe, well-managed homes for people with additional needs and creating environments where tenants can thrive.
I am proud to be part of such a dedicated team and excited to see how the organisation continues to grow and make a positive difference in the lives of the people we house.
Maia Wiseman - Finance and Operations Assistant
I am the Finance Assistant at SKILLS, with a strong sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the work we do in providing high-quality housing.
I bring an organised and detail-focused approach to managing financial processes, whether that is processing invoices, monitoring budgets, setting up utility accounts, or ensuring timely payments. By helping to keep our financial operations running smoothly, I support the delivery of safe, well-managed homes for our tenants.
I take pride in playing a behind-the-scenes role that helps the organisation operate effectively. Knowing that strong financial management contributes to the provision of quality housing and positive outcomes for tenants makes my work both meaningful and rewarding
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.
Adelaide Hartley - Group Finance Director
After 20 years in corporate finance, I joined Skills Community Housing because I wanted my work to contribute to making a positive difference in people’s lives. In my role, I have helped develop strong financial systems that enable our teams to deliver high-quality housing and maintain safe, well-managed homes for our tenants.
Every decision is made with our tenants in mind. I am proud to be part of a team that is committed to providing safe, high-quality housing for people with additional needs. To live in their communities.
Being part of an organisation that makes a meaningful difference through the provision of housing is incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to supporting its continued growth and success.
Martin Ellis - Housing Manager
With more than 25 years working in health and social care, I have seen first-hand how much good care and safe, well-managed services have a positive impact on people and their families.
During the last 10 years, my work in regulation and compliance has strengthened my belief that standards are not just processes to follow, but a way of protecting people’s dignity, wellbeing and quality of life.
My personal drive and focus has always been to help vulnerable people feel respected, listened to and supported in a way that recognises them as individuals.
Skills Community Housing shares these values, because it reflects the kind of care and support I believe people deserve: compassionate, safe and focused on helping tenants feel valued and able to live self-directed fulfilling lives.
Tracy Harrison - Assistant Housing Manager
With 15 years’ experience in the property and lettings industry, I have developed a strong understanding of how important a safe, secure and well-managed home is to a person’s wellbeing, independence and quality of life.
Throughout my career, I have particularly enjoyed working with people, building positive relationships, listening to their needs and finding solutions that make a genuine difference.
Joining Skills Community Housing has given me the opportunity to bring together my experience in housing with my passion for supporting people. I believe everyone should feel listened to, respected and valued, while having the choice and control to live their life in a way that is meaningful to them.