Clare Powell Email and Phone Number

Working at Board and Executive Board level - Strategy development, review of strategic readiness, public affairs/policy updates, strategic projects, policy analysis.

Sovereign is a large housing association, providing around 56,000 homes for people in housing need in the south and south west of England. Over 17 years, I was a key contributor to Sovereign’s growth from a development-focused Housing Association with around 11,000 homes, to a well-rounded sector leader with national influence. I was closely involved in Sovereign’s reputation for thoughtfully balancing social purpose with commercial reality. Most recently, I led a small team responsible for understanding the operating environment, and shaping Sovereign's response, including working with the Executive and non-executive board to prepare the corporate strategy. I also worked directly with the CEO and Board members on growth strategy, and supporting merger projects, including project management and preparing the business case for Board, shareholder and regulatory approval. I Led Sovereign's involvement with the national project to pilot the Voluntary Right to Buy for HAs. I had a key role in shaping and delivering Sovereign's public affairs agenda, including managing and sharing original research, and preparing responses to Government consultations. Drawing on the expertise of people across the organisation, and collaborating with colleagues throughout the sector, as well as working with stakeholders at national level.

Various roles including Best Value Manager, Head of Planning and Research, Head of Corporate Strategy. Focusing on sector and competitor analysis, strategic planning, research and regulatory compliance.

Working on various research projects in the area of social housing, as well as providing Independent Advice to tenants as part of the LSVT process.

Responsible for managing the capital funding for housing association development, and supporting delivery of new homes through the planning system.

Initially, acquiring and managing short life and private sector leased properties; then managing developent schemes from inception to practical completion.

Managing and prioritising a caseload of Housing Benefit claims; then a series of placements in different parts of the Housing service, including homelessness and housing need. Short projects included setting up a private sector leasing scheme, and managing the commissioning and letting of a mobile home site and two homelessness hostels.