Sara Sharrock - CEO

Sara joined Empower in November 2022. She is a qualified accountant and has worked in finance for over 35 years . Sara has over 20 years experience in the social housing sector working at a senior/executive level and was previously Executive Director of Resources at Salix Homes in Salford.

Sara is responsible for the efficient management and delivery of the Association’s Corporate Strategy in ensuring quality services and safe & sustainable homes, she has specific responsibility for finance, HR, governance & risk, property and compliance and she is responsible for the Safety & Quality Consumer Standard.

Michelle Lee - New Business & Lease Director

Michelle joined Empower shortly after inception and is responsible for housing management, the development of new homes, as well as the management and compliance of leases and service level agreements across the business. She was appointed New Business & Lease Director in July 2024, then Director of Housing & Growth in September 2025 having previously served for many years as Director of Operations, where she held responsibility for all operational activity, including property management, repairs, rents and service charges.

Michelle plays a key role in the growth and development of housing management services and Empower’s portfolio and is responsible for ensuring her areas comply with the Consumer Standards, including the Tenancy, Neighbourhood and Community Standard and the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard (including relevant Tenant Satisfaction Measures). She works collaboratively with stakeholders to increase delivery of safe, high‑quality homes and to ensure the organisation remains responsive and flexible within a challenging and evolving housing market.

She is a Housing Practitioner with the Chartered Institute of Housing and holds a Level 3 National Certificate in Housing, AAT Level 2 in Accounting, and a BA (Hons) in International Hospitality from the University of Central Lancashire.

Julie Dawson - Finance Manager

Julie joined Empower in July 2024 as Finance Manager.  She has worked in the social housing sector for 16 years bringing a wealth of knowledge with her.  Julie is responsible for the efficient management and accuracy of the Association’s Finances as well as being the Association’s Data Protection Officer.  She is excited to be part of a team who really care about our tenants and is proficient in Makaton signing.

Jennie - Executive Assistant and Governance Support

Jennie joined Empower in December 2025. She has worked in both the public and private sectors for 18 years, holding roles that combine executive assistant responsibilities with governance expertise. Jennie is responsible for supporting senior leadership and strengthening organisational processes to ensure effective decision-making and efficient operations.

Geoff - Property and Compliance Manager

Geoff joined Empower in November 2025 having previously worked in various property services, repairs, and compliance roles since 2000.

He is a member of The Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB) and holds a degree in Building Surveying.  Over his career to date he has delivered a wide range of services including planned works, responsive and void repairs and cyclical works as well as overseeing compliance contracts.

In a recent role he oversaw the introduction of the in-house delivery of repairs and void works and the organisation’s response to changes in legislation around damp, mould and other hazards for a housing association in Merseyside.

Sharon - Property and Compliance Lead

Since starting with EHA Sharon has worked within the Maintenance, Rent and Development Departments as well as providing housing related support to all tenants. Sharon currently oversees property compliance.  Sharon has received a CIH qualification for Housing, Advice and Information.

John - Development Manager

Since joining EHA John has worked within the Development department overseeing the development phase for all newly aquired properties. John has a wealth of knowledge in the supported living sector.

John holds an HNC qualification in Building Studies, is an incorporated member of the Association for Project Safety (IMaPS).

Mark - Housing Manager

Mark joined us in May 2025, with 20 years’ experience in the housing sector across the North of England, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team.

Mark has a strong track record of achieving organisational objectives, delivering high-quality housing management services, and leading successful growth strategies within the dynamic and evolving landscape of registered providers of social housing and care providers.

Mark has extensive experience working in close collaboration with local authorities to support homelessness prevention strategies and to develop specialist housing solutions for minority groups. His work includes providing tailored services for military veterans, refugees, and individuals on recovery pathways.

Margaret - Purchase Ledger Clerk

Margaret has been working with EHA since 2012 starting in the Maintenance Department, Margaret moved into our accounts department in 2016. Margaret holds an AAT Level 2 qualification in Accounting.

Catherine - Housing Officer

Catherine joined EHA in October 2021 and is a Housing Officer within the Housing Management team. As part of her role Catherine provides support to new and current tenants to ensure they can sustain their tenancies, including HB advice, effective collection of rental income and visiting tenants in their homes.

Catherine works with colleagues, tenants, and partner agencies to ensure all tenancies and services are delivered using a tenant focussed and involved approach that meets the needs of our tenants.

Richard - Housing Officer

Richard joined EHA in November 2021 and is a Housing Officer within the Housing Management team. As part of his role Richard provides support to new and current tenants to ensure they can sustain their tenancies, including HB advice, effective collection of rental income and visiting tenants in their homes.

Richard works with colleagues, tenants, and partner agencies to ensure all tenancies and services are delivered using a tenant focussed and involved approach that meets the needs of our tenants. Richard holds Mental Health First Aid and NEBOSH qualifications.

Rachel - Property & Compliance Officer

Rachel has been working with EHA since 2015 in the Property Maintenance Team, as well as providing housing related support to all tenants. As part of her role, Rachel, plans day to day and routine property repairs, planned property improvements and property compliance and safety inspections. Rachel holds a certification in Fire Safety and is a designated Fire Officer.

Jonathon - Property & Compliance Officer

Jonathon joined EHA in April 2022 and works in the Property & Compliance Team, prior to taking his post with us Jonathon worked within the IT profession. As part of his role, Jonathan provides housing related support to all tenants, plans day to day and routine property repairs, planned property improvements and property compliance and safety inspections. Jonathon holds a certification in Fire Safety and is a designated Fire Officer.

Arwel - Maintenance Team Supervisor

Arwel joined Empower in April 2025 and has over 30 years of experience in both joinery and construction. He holds recognised trade qualifications in both joinery and carpentry and is trained in key areas of health & safety, asbestos awareness, working at heights and in safeguarding.

Arwel had completed accredited Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) through the Construction Industry Board (CITB) alongside being a Temporary Works Coordinator, which means he can manage Empowers maintenance work safely and professionally.

Arwel will lead our in-house Maintenance and Grounds Maintenance Team – he will also work with our contractors to ensure repairs and property management are carried out to a high standard, safely – he takes pride in doing the job right the first time and ensuring our tenants feel listened to, respected and safe in their homes.

Carl - Grounds Maintenance Operative

Carl joined EHA in March 2018 as a Grounds Maintenance Operative and carries out external gardening works to all of our locally based properties. He has a wealth of experience within the gardening & maintenance field.

Carl holds PA6 & PA1 for hazardous spraying, Health & Safety CSCS card and is a qualified first aider.

Andy - Maintenance Operative

Andy joined EHA in July 2021 as a Maintenance Operative and carries out the day-to-day repairs and maintenance to all of our local properties as well as properties further afield.

Andy holds a Health & Safety CSCS card (General Operative).

Organisational Structure