Sara Sharrock - CEO (2022)

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 and governance & risk.

Michelle Lee - New Business & Lease Director (2003)

Michelle is responsible for the development of new homes, and the management of and compliance with leases and service level agreements across the business.  Before being named New Business & Lease Director in July 2024, Michelle was Empower Housing Association’s Director of Operations for many years and was responsible for all of the company’s operations, including end-to-end management of properties, repair activities, rents and service charges.  She also played a key role in the continued development of properties within the Empower portfolio and is an integral part of the team encouraging excellent relationships with all stakeholders, ensuring flexibility in response to an increasingly demanding market place.

Michelle is a Housing Practitioner with the Chartered Institute of Housing, has a level 3 National Certificate in Housing, and AAT Level 2 in Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts Second Class Degree in International Hospitality from the University of Central Lancashire.

Dawn Astin - Director of Housing & Operations (2024)

Dawn joined Empower in September 2024 and has 25 years’ experience working in the social housing sector at a senior level, most recently working for a large local authority to modernise their supported housing offer.

Dawn has experience of managing specialist supported housing (this includes housing and property maintenance, tenancy support and ASB services) working with individuals with learning or physical disabilities and people with autism.

She will be working with colleagues to achieve our regulatory and legislative requirements, ensuring that tenants are at the very heart of the organisation and are able to influence the provision of services and live in safe and secure homes.

Dawn is responsible for leading the housing management, responsive repairs and strategic asset management functions and compliance with the Consumer Standards.

Dawn has the following qualifications: BTEC Higher National Diploma in Housing (Level 4), Executive Diploma in Management Studies (Level 7), Certificate in Leading Sustainable Communities (Level 7)

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.

Steve - Property and Compliance Manager (2025)

Steve joined Empower in March 2025, he is a qualified building surveyor with experience in asset, project management and contract administration working for over 18 years in the housing sector at Progress and Muir Housing Associations.

Steve is responsible for the planned and responsive maintenance services, ensuring that high levels of customer satisfaction and value for money are achieved. He will ensure that all maintenance activity is compliant with legislation, regulation, budgetary and risk management requirements.

His previous experience includes the management of specialist supported housing and he has experience of working with tenants with learning or physical disabilities and autistic people.

Steve is also EHA’s designated health and safety lead.

Sharon - Compliance Manager (2007)

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 & Facilities Manager (2017)

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 a HNC qualification in Building Studies and is an incorporated member of the Association for Project Safety (IMaPS)

Mark - Housing Manager (2025)

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 (2012)

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.

Samantha - Housing Tenant Support Officer (2020)

Samantha joined EHA in January 2020 as a Housing Tenant Support Officer providing support within both Rents and Housing Management departments.  Samantha now works within the Rents department assisting with housing benefit queries and providing support for all new tenancies and housing benefit claims.  Samantha holds a certification in Fire Safety and is a designated Fire Officer.

Catherine - Housing Tenant Support Officer (2021)

Catherine joined EHA in October 2021 as a Housing Tenant Support Officer providing support within the Rents department.  Catherine assists with housing benefit queries along with providing support for all new tenancies and housing benefit claims.

Richard - Housing Tenant Support Officer (2021)

Richard joined EHA in November 2021 as a Housing Tenant Support Officer providing support within the Housing Management department.  Richard assists with housing management queries and completes Performance Review Visits to all properties within our portfolio. Richard holds Mental Health First Aid and NEBOSH qualifications.

Rachel - Maintenance & Compliance Officer (2015)

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

Jonathon - Maintenance & Compliance Officer(2022)

Jonathan joined EHA in April 2022 as a Maintenance & Compliance Officer and worked within the IT profession prior to taking his post with us.

As part of his role, Jonathan, plans day to day and routine maintenance repairs, property compliance and safety inspections.

Lesley - Maintenance & Compliance Officer (2022)

Lesley joined EHA in April 2022 as a Maintenance & Compliance Officer and has worked within the housing sector for 15 years and holds CIH qualifications Level 2 & 3. As part of her role, Lesley, plans day to day and routine maintenance repairs, property compliance and safety inspections.

Carol - Office Administrator (2021)

Carol joined EHA in November 2021 as the office Receptionist providing administrative support to all departments.  Carol holds First Aid, Site Management Safety Training Scheme and Construction Safety Certification Scheme qualifications and is a designated First Aider.

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 (2018)

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 Technician (2021)

Andy joined EHA in July 2021 as a Maintenance Technician 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).

Dominic - Maintenance Technician (2022)

Dominic joined Empower Housing in July 2022 in the maintenance department as a technician with a varied set of skills including experience in construction.

Dominic has completed PAT and Legionella awareness courses to enable him to carry out compliance checks to our properties.