Making a difference
Two Hyde colleagues recognised for their work in improving services for customers and supporting colleagues
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Lesley Smith, Hyde’s Head of Neighbourhoods and Tenancy Services, and Natalie Quilter, Hyde’s Reward and Benefits Lead, have been named in this year’s Inside Housing Management 30, which recognises people across housing who are helping to improve services for customers and make a real difference in their communities.
Lesley and Natalie may work in different teams, but they’re both focused on helping us improve, whether that’s through better neighbourhood services or by supporting the colleagues who help customers every day.
Lesley played a key role in the implementation of the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety Act at Hyde, ensuring that all our higher risk buildings comply with legislation. She ensured customers were involved at every stage, developing engagement strategies and introducing reporting to strengthen transparency, assurance and trust.
Lesley has also represented Hyde nationally, through bodies such as TPAS, the G15 and national building safety panels. Lesley is a trusted leader who consistently brings together regulation, performance, colleagues and customers to deliver meaningful outcomes.
The judges said: “Lesley has used her considerable experience very effectively. She clearly has the total respect of colleagues and has measurable positive outcomes from her work.”
As a carer for her mum since the age of eight, Natalie brings lived experience that she translates into practical, systemic change. Through her work, we’ve seen a significant increase in the use of the Carers’ Passport, which helps colleagues who’re unpaid carers access support, services and workplace adjustments, particularly within our repairs and maintenance teams.
Natalie has challenged the assumption that caring is mainly a women’s issue. By sharing her own story, including the role her dad played in caring, she’s created space for men to recognise and talk about their responsibilities.
The judges said: “Natalie’s story is inspiring. She’s taken lived experience into her day job and spread knowledge and best practice through a variety of methods. An outstanding individual whose brilliant work deserves recognition.”
We’re proud to see Lesley and Natalie recognised, and we’ll keep listening to customers and working with them to improve our services.