Our Development and Mobilisation Manager Natalie Shocklidge spoke to us about her time with Changing Lives, and her unique insight of working in both our Housing and Homelessness services and now centrally in our Business Development team.
Tell us a bit about yourself – your hobbies and interests etc.
My time outside of work is mainly spent with my family and friends. I am a very sociable person, whether it’s going for coffee or a nice meal out, I love having time with people I care about and catching up with them. My hobbies are reading and drawing; I mainly draw portraits of loved ones. I find both hobbies calming and they give me time alone, away from the chaos of everyday life to relax!
How long have you worked at Changing Lives, and what roles have you had in your time?
I joined Changing Lives in September 2022, as the Service Manager for the Northants Housing Project. I remained in this position for 18months before being appointed as the Development and Mobilisation Manager (more often referred to as the Mobilisation Lead), within the Business Development department.
Tell us a bit more about your roles.
My time as Service Manager was very interesting and allowed me to gain a real understanding of homelessness and its impact on the individual and the wider community. The local team consisted of 6 housing officers, and 120+units of temporary accommodation; it was my responsibility to have oversight of the project and raise the standard of services we provided. I spent time reviewing how the service carried out daily tasks, recorded data, managed voids, etc and worked with staff to find more efficient ways of working. In this role, I also gained some experience in demobilising properties, which is experience I call upon daily in my current position.
As Mobilisation Lead for Changing Lives, I now oversee the set-up of new contracts when awarded, and equally the closure of services when contracts come to an end. My role is essentially project management; I have to ensure everyone involved completes their duties as needed at the right times. I monitor and track our progress, escalating any risks perceived to the exec team as required.
What does your new role entail?
My new role entails working with all departments within Changing Lives. I create a plan which outlines timeframes for necessary tasks to be completed, and by which department. When setting up a new project there are many considerations, for example with accommodation services we need to complete condition surveys on any new buildings, lease agreements, have housing benefit rates approved, installation of IT systems and networks, CCTV, and much more. With all services, there is the need of staff, this could be staffing via TUPE or recruitment, each individual will need to be given essential training and induction to fulfil their roles.
The entire process is long and complex and is equally as complicated for demobilisations. It is my duty to monitor progress made and provide additional to support to any departments as required. I attend meetings with commissioners, external agencies and other providers for each project I am working on to ensure smooth transitions for all parties involved.
How does your role differ from your former role now you hold more responsibility?
My current role is vastly different from being a Service Manager. My whole focus was on the wellbeing and success of a relatively small group of people in a single project. Whereas I now work nationally and play a part on onboarding new services which are in high demand. Being part of the Business Development Team means working towards organisational plans to grow and expand, to provide essential support to those who need it most.
As this is a singular role, I no longer have any line management responsibilities, so it’s been a big change to be able to truly focus on my own work and development. I have had the time to reflect on practices and begin implementing more efficient ways of mobilising. These changes are completed with the input and feedback from department heads and operational leads; I’m hopeful my efforts will impact positively on the work Changing Lives completes within mobilisations. This is the biggest responsibility I have held in my career.
How do you feel you had to develop professionally (and personally) in order to secure your role?
I have always been well organised, but I have had to look at how I manage my workload; how can I ensure my time is utilised as effectively as possible. With multiple mobilisations happening at any time, my calendar is my most useful tool. Everything is there, from meetings, project visits, admin work, to reminders to chase for information requested previously. Organisation skills have had to be to the highest standards.
I also had to work on confidence in leading meetings with senior colleagues and other external agencies, to be more assertive and yet also be approachable so if there are issues within a mobilisation, I will be informed and can provide additional support if required.
Personally, I have had to work on having some degree of Imposter syndrome. Moving to Business Development, was a new way of working, a new department, something I hadn’t completed previously. Having belief in myself that I have the skills, and knowledge can be learnt was key. Having this progression in my career has increased my self-esteem, and confidence, which filters into my person life and general well-being.
