Tackling Ageism in the Workplace: Why ‘Older’ Workers Shouldn’t be Overlooked for Promotion
Speakers
Jackie Bligh
Chief Executive, Worthing Homes
Jackie celebrated 40 years in housing in May 21. She started as a housing trainee, completed her CIH qualifications (MCIH) and pursued a career in housing management. She was fortunate to be offered many opportunities to try new things during her career having worked for local government and housing associations in London, district and borough Councils, leading two stock transfers post ballot as Chief Executive.
Jackie has worked with lots of amazing people over that time all of whom have had a real passion for excellent customer service and the provision of truly affordable homes. She has been CEO at Worthing Homes for the last 7 years, where the focus has been on increasing the focus on listening to and involving their residents, modernising their services and the way in which they work to ensure that they are fit for the future.
Lyndsey Simpson
Founder, 55/Redefined
Lyndsey Simpson is the founder and CEO of 55/Redefined, an organisation that connects the UK’s affluent over-55s with tailored products, services and advice spanning jobs, finance, legal and lifestyle.
Recognising a gap in the market for a brand that answers the call of the ‘bet-your-ass-I-can’ over-55s, Lyndsey set up 55/Redefined to fly the flag for those who may be getting older, but have no intention of slowing down. 55/Redefined helps over-55s get exactly what they want from life – flexible jobs; legal and financial savvy and new, exciting lifestyle options made just for them.
Previously, Lyndsey was CEO of The Curve Group where she spent 13 years leading the business to become the UK’s largest privately owned recruitment and HR company before exiting her investment in 2020. Her early career was in Financial Services where she spent 11 years undertaking various Global strategic and M&A leadership positions in the Banking and Insurance sectors. A passionate entrepreneur, board advisor, investor and E2E ambassador outside 55/Redefined, Lyndsey also co-owns Copper House Bar & Brasserie in Berkhamsted. Lyndsey has been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 35 Businesswomen by Management Today and The Sunday Times and is listed in the ‘UK’s 50 Most Inspirational Female Entrepreneurs’.
Heather Thomas
Chief Executive, Sapphire Independent Housing
Heather joined Sapphire Independent Housing in 2016 as Chief Executive. Sapphire is a smaller registered provider based in North West London providing supported housing and general needs housing with a focus in single people.
Heather is also Chair of Croydon Churches Housing Association (CCHA) in South London and is an executive committee member of the g320 group of housing associations.
She has 20 years’ experience of working at a senior level with different registered providers. With experience of managing diverse housing tenures; she brings considerable experience and knowledge of the housing association sector.
Heather is a corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and has a Masters in Organisational Behaviour. She has also been a guest lecturer to housing students at South Bank University.
Tracey Gray
Group Director, Customer Services, Southern Housing Group
Tracey has worked in the affordable housing sector for 20 years and as an Executive for the past 11 years, working as an interim director in Customer experience field. Tracey is passionate about understanding the challenges faced by our residents and continuous service improvement.
Date: 6th September 2022
Time: 13:00 – 15:30
Venue: Central London
If you would like to register your interest to attend the roundtable please click the link below.