Futures at Knightstone, which provides housing related support and accommodation to more than 1,500 people, has appointed Sonia Furzland as assistant director of supported housing.
Sonia joined the Knightstone Housing Association, in 2005 as a supported housing service manager and worked more recently as strategic business manager across the West of England.
She will now be responsible for the provision of all housing related support services at the Futures arm.
She will now be responsible for the provision of all housing related support services at the Futures arm.
Having worked in the supported housing sector since 1985 Sonia said: “I’m delighted with my new position. I’m passionate about making sure our residents and clients receive the best possible support. The impact of our work is vital to ensure that vulnerable people build their confidence, increase their skills, achieve independence and contribute to their community.”
Sonia’s appointment comes at a time when Knightstone is undergoing a strategic review of all its services. It owns and manages more than 11,000 homes across 38 local authority areas, from Hereford to Portsmouth and from Minehead to Marlborough – and the strategic review will include a series of stock swaps with other regional housing associations and the building of a new headquarters in Worle, Weston.
Sonia’s appointment comes at a time when Knightstone is undergoing a strategic review of all its services. It owns and manages more than 11,000 homes across 38 local authority areas, from Hereford to Portsmouth and from Minehead to Marlborough – and the strategic review will include a series of stock swaps with other regional housing associations and the building of a new headquarters in Worle, Weston.
The objective is to provide a much more focused service across nine local authorities.
Sonia added: “These are very challenging times for supported housing providers. There are tough times ahead for many of our residents and clients who are facing increases in household costs, unemployment and cuts in benefits.
“Cuts in Supporting People budgets means we will need to look for alternative funding streams and embrace opportunities for social enterprise and innovation.”
Knightstone operations director Mark Beard said: “Sonia has a wealth of experience, a strong record of leadership and a commitment to great customer service. As part of the senior management team in Futures since 2009 Sonia is very well placed now to head up the service.”
