Case study: Head of Property and Facilities Recruitment | Homeless Oxfordshire

Homeless Oxfordshire is the county’s largest not for profit provider of accommodation and support for people experiencing homelessness. With over 20 properties across Oxfordshire, including a central hostel in Oxford, the organisation offers a range of psychologically informed services to help individuals rebuild their lives.

Their mission is to provide short-term accommodation with access to high-quality support, enabling people to recover from homelessness and move towards independent living. The charity supports over 170 residents at any one time and is driven by a passionate team committed to making a lasting impact.

Context.

Following a period of strategic change and leadership renewal, Homeless Oxfordshire identified the need for a new Head of Property and Facilities. The previous postholder, who came from a commercial background, had helped shape the compliance and development functions, but the organisation now required a leader with a strong operational focus and a deep understanding of supported housing. With a growing and complex property portfolio—including HMOs, hostels and flats—there was a need for someone who could ensure compliance, lead on health and safety, and manage both planned and reactive maintenance. The role was also critical in supporting the wider senior leadership team and contributing to the charity’s strategic direction.

Brief.

We were tasked with finding a senior leader with extensive experience in estate and facilities management, ideally within a supported housing or social care context. The successful candidate needed to demonstrate strong technical knowledge, particularly around compliance, health and safety, and contractor management. They also needed to be a confident team leader, capable of managing a small but busy team and working collaboratively across departments. The role required someone who could be visible across the organisation’s sites, with a minimum of three days per week on the ground. Homeless Oxfordshire has a deeply values-driven culture, and the new hire needed to be resilient, empathetic and committed to the charity’s mission. The search focused on candidates with experience in housing, facilities, or property management, particularly those familiar with the challenges of homelessness and vulnerable client groups.

Outcome.

Due to the highly specialised requirements of the role and its specific Oxfordshire location, the search yielded four applications, all from candidates with similar backgrounds and relevant experience in property and facilities management. The appointed candidate stood out for their strong blend of technical expertise and sector-relevant experience, particularly in managing HMOs, leases and compliance frameworks. They demonstrated excellent communication skills, a personable and confident leadership style, and a clear motivation to work in a values-led organisation. Their background in facilities and property management, combined with a strong understanding of health and safety and team leadership, made them an ideal fit. The process was inclusive and thorough, with a two-stage interview process that allowed the panel to assess both technical and cultural fit. The successful candidate is expected to bring stability, operational rigour, and a collaborative spirit to the senior leadership team, helping Homeless Oxfordshire continue to provide safe, high-quality accommodation for those in need.

Clare Chesworth is a Managing Consultant for our Not for Profit Practice. Clare is passionate about recruiting executive and board leaders for organisations tackling social justice. With an empathetic and driven approach, Clare can find the right leaders to suit your mission. If you’d like to get in touch with her, you can connect with Clare on Linkedin or send her an email.