Paula Steel – Southern Housing
Paula Steel has overseen and delivered one of the sector’s most ambitious integration programmes with vision and resolve. Following the December 2022 merger of Optivo and Southern Housing Group, she set out to unify the two organisations into a single, high-performing business within just two years. Thanks to Paula’s leadership, this integration process is on track and almost complete.
Paula’s first challenge was to determine a way forward for systems, processes and ways of working. She achieved this in just four months following extensive consultations with colleagues from both businesses. She then built and led a 50-strong delivery team spanning functions from business analysis to training.
Paula’s approach combines strategic thinking with an ability to get into the details where necessary – and to give her team the space to deliver, too. Today, thanks to her drive, many of the organisation’s main functions – from finance and HR, to customer contact and cyber security – are fully integrated. She has been careful to listen and take feedback, all the while ensuring things get done promptly and efficiently. It has been hugely impressive.
The judges said:
“Merging two organisations into one is never easy, and this looks like a great success. Paula has had a fundamental part to play in engaging staff in this process. Great to see it being recognised”
This category was judged by:
Ben Laryea, chief executive, Ekaya Housing Association
Paul Nicholls, managing director, London, Wates Residential
Jamie Ratcliff, chief communities and sustainability officer, SNG
Exchange Hall
Manchester
Petersfield M2 3GX
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