Bath-based housing association Curo’s director of tenancy services Sarah Seeger has won a prestigious national award thanks to her influential work on reshaping the government’s controversial Universal Credit benefit measures.
Sarah, pictured, won the Professional of the Year category at the Women in Housing Awards, run by the Chartered Institute of Housing and Inside Housing magazine.
Curo said her commitment to supporting customers facing financial hardship, coupled with her “tireless campaigning”, had played a key role in shaping important changes to Universal Credit, which rolls together six benefits for those out of work or on low incomes.
Sarah has been interviewed by the Cabinet Office on the implementation of welfare reforms, presented evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee on benefit delivery and appeared on Channel 4 News to highlight the impact of Universal Credit on claimants and the high use of food banks.
The national roll out of Universal Credit – the government’s flagship shake-up of the benefits system – has been delayed again amid a political row over whether it hits the poorest in society the hardest, with the government claiming it rewards those in work rather than trapping people on benefits.
Curo head of customer accounts Emma Owens said: “Sarah cares deeply for our customers – that shines through every decision she makes. Her approach to supporting people struggling financially has transformed the lives of many of our poorest customers. She has fought hard to be their voice when they’ve not been listened to. As a woman in housing she stands up – and fights – for the rights of customers.”
Sarah joined Curo in 2010 as manager of the organisation’s anti-social behaviour team where she quickly gained huge respect from colleagues and led a new approach to supporting people. Sarah’s characteristic support-led approach continued when she was promoted to head of customer accounts, a role she held for four years before becoming director of tenancy services.
Curo chair Liz Potter was also a finalist in the awards, which were staged in Manchester last week. She was shortlisted in the Board Member of the Year category for her “energy, enthusiasm and genuine passion for housing and social justice which have made her an inspiration to many within the sector”.
The Women in Housing Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of outstanding women working in housing. Now in their sixth year, they highlight the work and achievements of the many women who make a major contribution.
Curo looks after more than 25,000 residents in 13,000-plus homes across the West of England. It also builds hundreds of homes a year.
