North East housing association, Bernicia Group, has strengthened its Assets and Property team with the appointment of a new Head of Property.
Ryan Irving-Carr has worked for Bernicia for eight years, starting out as an apprentice plumber in 2012. In his new role, Ryan will lead the Client Property team in developing and delivering the Asset Management Strategy and Short Term Investment Plan for Bernicia’s 14,000 properties.
During his time at Bernicia, Ryan has taken up career development opportunities firstly working in various roles as part of the responsive repairs team and then becoming a trainee building surveyor, completing his BSc in Building Surveying.
Ryan said: “When I joined Bernicia all those years ago, I was looking for an opportunity that would mean I could get recognised qualifications and gain experience while earning a wage.
“I’d heard good things about Bernicia as an employer; its values and commitment to providing opportunities for development really appealed to me so when I saw they were taking on apprentices it ticked all the boxes and I applied.
“I’ve been supported to progress from an apprenticeship into roles as project coordinator, asset investment programme manager and head of property. There’s lots of exciting investment and development projects coming up and I can’t wait to get started.”
Michael Farr, executive director of assets and growth, added: “Investing in our people and nurturing in-house talent is how we grow our business and we’re delighted to have Ryan in post as head of property.
“He’s worked extremely hard, continually impressing us with his drive and commitment, and is a great example of someone who has taken the career development opportunities on offer to carve out a successful career in our assets and property division, securing a very well deserved promotion.”
Bernicia is a three times IIP Gold employer with 500 staff, and has employed over 50 apprentices; investing well over £1million in its award-winning apprenticeship programme.