Christine is Upskilling for Changing Social Housing Sector

Christine Cackett has worked her whole life in social housing, since graduating with a BSc in Housing Management from Ulster University.  Keen to progress, she returned to learning, upskilling through the Female Leadership Programme, gaining a CMI Level 5 in Leadership and Management, which she is followed with a CMI Level 7, both at SERC.

Christine (37), from Bangor said, “I graduated in June 2010, got married in October and commenced my career with Fold - now Radius Housing. In November that same year, I started in the role of Rent Administrator and over the years, I have moved into a variety of positions with the organisation. I completed specialised in-house training which was complemented with attendance at housing conferences as I progressed.  I felt too busy to take on any formal qualifications as I juggled work, a home, and bringing up our two young children with my husband.”

Christine, currently Policy & Improvement Manager at Radius Housing, returned to education in 2024 to complete the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 5 on the Female Leadership Programme, funded by Ards & North Down Borough Council and delivered at SERC. She says the programme has had a positive impact on her career: “I had recently attended a housing professionals’ conference where there was a lot of buzz about 'accidental managers' - people who find themselves in managerial roles without formal training. The discussion highlighted the growing push for all managers to have management qualifications. It was shortly after that I found out about and applied for the Female Leadership Programme. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to learn more and to develop my skills.”

She added, “The Female Leadership Programme boosted my confidence and I've been able to directly apply the practical skills I gained to my job. The experience also played a key role in my successful promotion to a managerial position within eight months of completing the course. I manage the Policy, Performance and Business Support team.   It is a busy, varied role but very rewarding.”

She concluded, “I would encourage other women in the area to apply for a course that matches their career aspirations. The Female Leadership course which I completed offered a supportive, collaborative and diverse learning environment where I felt I could thrive. It was geared to aspiring managers and experienced professionals alike, plus it was convenient to attend online.   I have now progressed to the CMI Level 7 in Strategic Leadership and Management Practice, which I am completing part-time at SERC.   I want to keep building my confidence and my skills and to be prepared for change.”

Apply now for part-time courses. Come to our part-time enrolment evening on Thursday  28 August from 4pm to 7pm at Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn & Newtownards Campuses.