Image of Barbara Thorndick. MD of WK Consulting, a specialist housing consultancy specialising in social housing, housing associations and the public sector  

Barbara Thorndick, OBE, Managing Director

Barbara, a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, is dedicated to transforming housing policy at a regional and national level and translating new policy into action.

Highly regarded as a leading figure in the housing sector, and an early adopter of the National Housing Federation (NHF) iN business for neighbourhoods agenda, Barbara's passion for neighbourhood regeneration and resident involvement led to West Kent's community development charity, West Kent Extra, being set up in 2003. Barbara has previously chaired the highly successful and influential PlaceShapers group, the NHF's South East Regional Committee and was a member of the Kent Housing Group. She is committed to greater diversity amongst those who lead housing associations. In the New Year's Honours List 2008 Barbara was awarded the OBE for services in social housing.
Jonathan Shaw is an Associate Consultant for WK Consulting specialising in government relations and providing support to manage the political landscape. He was previously Minister for the South East, England  

Jonathan Shaw, Associate Consultant

A former government minister and qualified social worker - Jonathan was a DWP minister and south east regional minister in the previous administration.  He has experience of developing policy at different levels and overseeing implementation across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Amongst other significant initiatives Jonathan was responsible for developing employment policy for disadvantaged groups.  Jonathan was lead minister in the SE - joining up national and regional policy at a local level, for example, championing the delivery of the ‘Future Jobs Fund’.
Susan French is an Associate Consultant at WK Consulting. Formerly Director of Service Excellence at the Hyde Group, she has in-depth experience of strategic housing reviews, culture change management, business planning and project management.  

Susan French, Associate Consultant

Susan has 20 year’s experience, working for some of the most successful RSLs in London. Most recently, she was Director for Service Excellence at the Hyde Group, leading a major review of customer service and running the UK’s first operational housing PFI contract. A consultant since 2008, Susan specialises in strategic management reviews, culture change, business planning and project management and is passionate about great customer service.
Shan Shivji is an Associate consultant for WK Consulting and a recognised industry expert in partnering relationships, asset management, property management and maintenance for social housing providers and housing associations. He is also founding chairman of innovative purchasing organisation The South East Consortium  

Shan Shivji, Associate Consultant

Shan is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and has pioneered innovative approaches to partnering services, asset management and property maintenance.  Shan was also the founding Chair of the South East Consortium procurement club, maximising access to value for money, goods and services for member housing associations and their customers.