Following a national search for candidates and a rigorous selection process involving tenants, staff, partners and members, the Senior Officer Employment Sub-Committee selected James Clark for the role.
James, who lives in Sheffield, has almost 20 years’ experience working in housing and regeneration in local, regional and national Government. He is currently the Assistant Director of Housing at Rotherham Council.
He has previously led teams overseeing housing strategy, home ownership and refugee housing, as well as leading on projects involving building safety, homelessness and council housebuilding programmes.
Over the past couple of years, the Council has been on a journey of improvement as part of the Housing Transformation Programme, relating to improving the repairs service for our tenants, safety monitoring and also the holding of information relating to the condition of our council house stock to help shape our investment plans.
There has been a marked improvement in tenant satisfaction scores over the past year in response to these efforts, but we know there is even more to be done and this is something we’d also like to continue.
There is also the continued drive to find savings and efficiencies within the service through our Future Sheffield program.
James said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the team as Director of Housing Services in the city I’m proud to call home. Sheffield is going from strength to strength and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to play my part alongside residents, colleagues and partners.
“No-one in Sheffield should be without a good quality, affordable home. Whether preventing homelessness, transforming the repairs service or improving neighbourhoods, these are services that really matter. It's a privilege to be asked to lead them and I can't wait to get started."
Ajman Ali, Executive Director, Neighbourhood Services at Sheffield City Council, said: “James will be a fantastic addition to our Council, and I would like to welcome him to the team in Sheffield.
“James brings a wealth of experience and will make a huge contribution to our Housing Transformation Programme and building on the successes we have already achieved.”
James will take up the post on 28 April 2025.
