Celebrating the women of Port of Leith Housing Association
A group of women working at Port of Leith Housing Association are celebrating International Women’s Day by sharing their experiences of the workplace and reflecting on gender equality.
Participating in a Q&A session, ten women spoke about their role at the Association, paid homage to women who inspire them and shared some advice for other women looking to advance their careers.
A high proportion of senior roles at Port of Leith Housing Association are held by women, with eight female board members, two of three director roles being held by women, six female members of the operational management team and eight women with other line management or supervisory responsibilities.
Port of Leith Housing Association’s flexible working policy, commitment to ensuring staff have a good work/life balance, and opportunities for training and learning were some of the features mentioned by female staff who say that the flexibility and support they receive is integral to successfully managing family and work commitments.
The Association recently received recognition for its approach to flexible working and staff development when it was named the 22nd Best Company to Work For in Scotland and the 11th Best Housing Association to Work For in the UK in the Sunday Times’ Best Companies To Work For Lists.
Claire Ironside, Director of Customer Services at Port of Leith Housing Association, said:
“We are very fortunate to have so many inspirational women working in this organisation who play a vital role in making Leith and Port of Leith Housing Association great. We are committed to diversity in all its forms, including gender diversity, and are striving to ensure that the Association reflects the rich diversity which flourishes in the communities of Leith.”
Angela Morgan
Assets and Procurement Manager
“There is nothing that we do that women are not capable of doing.”
Charlotte Gray
Communications and Customer Engagement Manager
“My advice for women looking to advance their careers would be the same as I’d give to a man. That’s to really focus on developing your soft skills. It leads to really good problem solving and new ideas.”
Christine Seydak
Private Rentals Officer
“I loved being part of the Leith Fort project. It’s just a fantastic development. If I’m driving past, I’m just so proud.”
Dee Shiels
Common Repairs Officer
“There’s absolutely nothing to stop you from being whatever you want to be.”
Fiona Whitelaw
Tenancy Support Team Leader
“Believe in what you do and be passionate about it. If you keep plugging away at something, eventually you will get there.”
Glen White
Corporate Services Manager
“Learn from the past, live for the now and envision the future. Every day is a new day, embrace it.”
Heather Kiteley
Director of Finance and Corporate Services
“Have a career goal and a plan for how you’re going to get there. Speak to those who inspire you and get a mentor.”
Marie Williams
Senior Project Officer
“The advice I would give somebody coming into the industry is to get as much experience as you can before you actually come in and start work.”
Natasha Duckham-Venters
Finance Officer
“It’s a bit cliché but it’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice.”
Shona Maxwell
Estates Officer
“Other working mothers have been a big inspiration for me. Support from other mothers in the company, has been excellent in helping me juggle having it all.”
Suzie Connery
Sheltered Housing Co-ordinator
“The ladies I work with have inspired me, their inner strength is so humbling.”