New Head of Customer and Community Support joins Magna Housing

Bringing 25 years of housing sector experience – gained with local authorities and housing associations – Kerry will lead on developing and delivering ever-better customer experiences, as well as building satisfaction across Magna’s communities.   

“I’m excited about what lies ahead,” says Kerry. “Magna’s size offers the perfect balance: large enough to have structure and influence, but not so big you get lost. I like the localised approach too.  

“I’ll be working with my team to look at new ways to innovate and improve services. Our focus will be on putting the right packages of support in place, and we’ll build upon the great work Magna already does with charities, local authorities and other partners to bring in additional services.   

“The ambition is to provide the right services, at the right time, every time – making early interventions, if necessary – so our customers can live well in their homes, access the support they need, and sustain their tenancies.   

Kerry’s first job in housing was with Catalyst Housing (now part of Peabody), where she worked as an employment and training officer, supporting customers into work.   

She then joined the Hyde Group as Director of Communities. Whilst there, she became interested in the savings that good social housing and a strong community can bring government departments (like the NHS and the Department for Work and Pensions). Alongside colleagues, she developed a way to measure the value of a social tenancy (VOST) – later adopted by London’s largest housing associations and used to bring evidence of value to the Treasury.   

Joanne Martin, Magna’s Director of Customer Operations, adds: “It’s great to have Kerry on board. She joins us at an exciting time, just as we’re setting out what our new strategy – which is all about enabling better futures – means for our teams and their operational roles, so we’re pleased to have Kerry’s involvement from the outset. She’s a fantastic addition to the team.”   

Outside work, Kerry, originally from South Yorkshire, is a keen runner. She currently lives in London but likes to escape to South Devon when time permits.