OUR TEAM

OUR TEAM

Our experienced support workers and maintenance team are motivated to improve the wellbeing of our service users and to ensure we can provide the highest standards of accommodation.

Through delivering one to one support sessions we develop a relationship with our service users to enable and equip them to achieve their goals.

Working closely with Wakefield's strategic housing department and The Responsible Landlord's scheme we strive to achieve the safest and most comfortable accommodation for those in need of our services, in addition we continue to work with a widening network of property owners, landlord's and letting agencies to ensure a flexible resource of safe, suitable housing.

Having previously worked for an award winning homeless project before coming to Informal Learning, Andy developed the housing project from grass roots in 2009, growing the project from 1 unit of accommodation in 2009 to its current capacity of in excess of 167 units. During the past 10 years Andy has developed a vast understanding of the barriers which our client base face on a daily basis.

As our General Manager, Andy not only manages our support workers and our Homeless Support Service, but with several years' experience from the commercial sector in public relations he liaises on both operational and strategic levels with our partners and other similar initiatives.

Susan has over 30 years experience of social care and training with disadvantaged children, families and vulnerable adults in various residential and community settings. Susan's skillsets include an emphasis on multi agency working alongside housing, mental health, substance misuse, education and the criminal justice system.

Susan Joined Informal learning in 2018 her role includes risk and needs assessments, ensuring accurate and appropriate records and reports are maintained along with other administrative tasks. Susan provides operational support for key workers and works collaboratively with service users, Informal Learning colleagues and professionals from other organisations. She helps provide advice on housing and support to service users and promotes a positive approach to health and wellbeing.

At the age of 16 Paul joined the British Army in 1996. He quickly adapted to his surroundings and daily duties. Paul learned how to help support his colleagues, whilst building solid relationships and trust. In 2001, Paul then had a change of career to the motor industry, using his skills to develop relationships with customers in a sales environment. Paul joined Informal learning towards the end of 2019 ready for his next challenge.

Paul's current role involves advising individuals who need care and support to help them live independently. He helps service users find accommodation and maintain their tenancy, he also advises individuals about housing benefits and other community services available to them. Paul also delivers one-to-one sessions offering guidance in areas such as, medical care, permanent accommodation and employment.

Ben has been with informal Learning since the start of 2019. His previous experience includes working in social care with autistic children and adults with challenging behaviours. Ben also has experience supporting asylum seekers with housing and benefits claims.

Ben's role combines office and admin duties such as housing assessments, benefit claims and maintenance logs with his practical and social skillset. He offers support and guidance sessions. Making house visits and assists in general maintenance and cleaning of properties when required.

Gillian came to work with Informal learning in February 2018 and has previous experience working in Family Services and in a temporary capacity in Spectrum Care in the Community.

She's our office 'all-rounder' answering telephone calls, admin duties, meeting and greeting visitors and helping out in a wealth of other areas as and when required.

Charlotte has been with Informal Learning since 2017. She has experience working in the property market having served as a letting agent. She has a vast skillset including an understanding of tenancy and letting agreements, utilities and benefit eligibility. Charlotte has previously worked with challenging tenants with mental health and criminal backgrounds.

Charlotte duties include house visits and support sessions for service users. Updating system admin and other key pieces of company documentation. Charlotte has a keen interest in, and occasionally holds meetings with the probation service and participates in property cleaning when required.

Christopher joined Informal Learning in February 2013 looking for a new challenge after running his own business for 30 years.

Bringing his broad range of skills Christopher is tasked with maintaining and improving our properties helping to ensure the accommodation is safe and comfortable for our service users.

Daz is a key member of the maintenance team and has worked for Informal Learning since 2014. Qualified in painting and decorating with 15 years experience in addition to contruction skills, Daz joined us as a volunteer who just wanted to 'make a difference'.

He tackles everything that's put in front of him and enjoys the variation the job brings, from the final coat of paint to the occassional trip to the tip!