Sheila Keogh

Joined Wandle: February 2024

What do you do at Wandle?

I advise, guide and support Wandle to improve our health, safety and wellbeing strategy, by developing, implementing and improving our safety management system, and this helps to ensure staff safety and legal compliance. I write and implement policy, procedure, training and risk assessments. Also I manage the office facilities including office reconfigurations, maintenance and repairs. Across the business I advise, audit, recommend, train and support health and safety compliance. I have a budget for health, safety and facilities and lead a small team.

Why did you join Wandle?

Having previously worked in the private and charity sectors, in housing associations and in London council housing department health and safety teams, I feel most strongly connected to the housing sector. The lack of affordable housing is one of the country’s most stressful and pressing issues and I’m proud to be working within the sector, supporting our staff to support our local communities and residents.

What do you enjoy most about working here?

There is much less red tape here than I have experienced in local councils, resulting in work progressing at good pace. My role is far-reaching and I support every team and individual within Wandle, bringing diversity and interest into my working day. The teams are supportive, approachable and friendly.

How has Wandle supported your development?

Wandle enabled me to complete a foundation course in project management, and this year I will be starting a ‘Next Generation Leaders’ course, run by the South East Consortium and sponsored by Wandle. I feel very privileged to have this support from my employer.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying?

Go for it! We are still a small organisation and so it is very easy to get to know other colleagues. We are very friendly and supportive to each other and we care deeply about the communities and the individuals that we serve.