Linc's Social Value Manager Joins Y Prentis Board
Natalie Hawkins, Social Value Manager
After leaving a 20-year career in retail management, Natalie went onto work in Cardiff Council and is now in the social housing sector. She initially managed employability projects, offering one to one mentoring support to people 16+ and from diverse backgrounds. This progressed to include the embedding and management of community benefits and targeted recruitment and training in corporate contracts. Natalie joined Linc Cymru in January 2022 and is responsible for improving the economic, social, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of tenants, residents, and communities.
Delivering maximum social return on all investments, building sustainable communities, maximising opportunities, and contributing to the growth programme through community benefits is fundamental to Linc's ethos.
Natalie said: “I am delighted to be joining the Y Prentis Board on behalf of Linc. Our shared values and goals mean that we’re both seeking to provide opportunities for people to flourish.
"As a housing provider we work alongside Y Prentis to ensure local people benefit from the targeted recruitment and training opportunities available on our development sites. It is this knowledge of housing association development programmes as well as my experience in delivering social value initiatives that I hope will add value to the Y Prentis Board.
"I am excited to work with Y Prentis to continue to offer opportunities that benefit those looking to join or progress in the construction industry.”
The Y Prentis Board
Since being established in October 2012 the Board has predominantly been represented by founding members Melin Homes and Monmouthshire County Council. Bron Afon Housing Association appointed Mark Doubler to the Y Prentis board in 2022 along with Bethan McPherson form Torfaen Council. More appointments will be made in 2023 to further reinforce the diversity of its members.
Adrian Huckin Y Prentis Director said: “The strength of any Board relies on the different range of experiences it can draw upon. Y Prentis is fortunate to be supported and guided by a strong Board of Directors drawn from representatives of a variety key stakeholders. Natalie’s appointment will add further strength and knowledge to our board’s capabilities.”
About Y Prentis
Y Prentis is a construction based shared apprenticeship scheme in southeast Wales. Funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Welsh Government, Y Prentis employs apprentices on behalf of industry across many trades, giving them the opportunity to gain experience and work towards qualifying in their chosen trade. In February 2021, Y Prentis was the first apprenticeship company in Wales to be awarded the “We invest in apprentice’s” accreditation, by Investors in People, following their successful inclusion in their pilot phase which was rolled out in November 2020. They were awarded Platinum status, which is the highest accolade available. You can find out more by visiting www.yprentis.co.uk