Shauna Hutchinson

HR Advisor, Sovereign Network Group

1 What do you do for fun?

Music feeds my soul. I’m a sucker for  a live R&B show. One of my favourite things is attending j’ouvert [joo-vay] events to get covered in paint and powder while dancing to soca music with my friends. Freedom, joy and often some rum LOL.

2 You have the power to change one thing about the social housing sector: what would it be?

Funding, funding, funding! I worry that there’s a feeling of commercialism over community because the need for homes and government funding don’t marry up. The number of housing associations in existence has declined over the years because of needing to withstand so much financial pressure and minimal support from government. Social housing is often attacked instead of recognising the gaps that have been plugged by HAs when support services are reduced in local communities. Government need to stop pointing their fingers at the sector and do more to address it. SHOW ME THE MONEYYYY.

3 What advice would you give to someone starting out in housing?

Don’t stick to one field in housing – try different jobs, learn from all of them, put your knowledge to good use in projects where you’re aware of the journey of the idea to help it land in the best way. Also HOMES not units, properties or blocks. We’re real people in social housing, not just numbers.

4 Who’s your favourite author, and why?

Oh gosh, I’m terrible with committing to finishing fiction. I’ve been on page 89 of the first Harry Potter book for 18 months LOL. I prefer a ‘one and done’ alternative self help book, though. Ice Cream for Breakfast by Laura Jane Williams and Jenifer Lewis’ Mother of Black Hollywood were interesting for me to think about ‘trying’ and mental health.

5 Strangest thing you’ve ever experienced?

When I moved into my flat in 2023, there were a few days where I felt like there was someone on my chest while I slept. I couldn’t see her face but saw her gothic dress. This happened a few times where I was paralysed and couldn’t get her off me. One day, instead of fighting to wake up like I’d done before, I let the scene play out. I could see an East Asian family standing at the end of my bed in blueish white light. The woman in the family said a name and put her hand out. I struggled to say I’m not blah blah (to this day, I can’t remember the name she called me). I fought to say it a few times and then the weight on my chest left – no woman in a black dress anymore and I could talk. I remember shouting it in real life, waking myself up and they all disappeared. The lady in the black dress was now in white and had a warm presence. I’ve not seen them or had that feeling since.

6 What are your three favourite albums?

Top of my head: Christina Aguilera Stripped, Masego Studying Abroad, Michael Jackson Dangerous. They never miss.

7 Favourite food?

Anything prawny. Love a thai!

8 Sat snugly at home or travelling around the world?

I want the world without the travel time and discomfort. Teleport me to stunning views and tasty food around the world or make me rich enough to have a sofa on my plane.

9 A world without music or a world without literature?

I’m cheating – music is poetry to me, so farewell, literature.

10 If you had to work in housing in another country, which would it be, and why?

No idea – somewhere with colourful houses, good food, weather and views like St Lucia or Grenada.

11 Pessimistic, optimistic or unsure about the future?

Unsure because of fear but optimistic because the universe has my back either way.

12 You can resurrect anyone from history and talk to them for an hour: who, and why?

My grandad aka GPops. I’d force him to write down his recipes and ask him questions about our heritage.

13 Favourite film?

The Blind Side, then I found out it was problematic!

14 If you didn’t work in housing, what would you do?

People always say I should be on TV LOL, like a freckly Alison Hammond.

15 What makes for a good life?

Joy and gratitude. A child-like approach to the things that make you smile and give you hope. Finding your tribe who help you through tough times and who equally want each other to win.