In this edition of Meet the YMCA Together team, we spend a few minutes with Hayley Jones, our Director of Homeless Services.

Hayley Jones – Director of Homeless Services 

What does your role involve?

I oversee the Homeless and Community accommodation and projects across the organisation. My role includes: 

• Strategic input into key decisions and organisational development
• Working closely with Stakeholders and Commissioners to develop and deliver services that meet the needs of our communities. 
• Responsibility for Compliance of Homeless and Community Services. 
• Monitoring of Quality standards and Support delivery to ensure services meet KPIs. 

I’m also the Safeguarding Lead for the organisation.

 

What qualities are essential to your work at YMCA Together?

You need to be kind, non-judgmental, and have a passion and tenacity for making a difference. You need to genuinely care about people and build relationships. Good relationships with the people we support underpin everything.

 

Describe your typical working day.

I read my emails at about 7.30 am with a cup of tea before I leave the house and check my schedule for the day. If something has come through that needs prioritising, I’ll rearrange my schedule. I typically have 2 or 3 meetings throughout the day. 

The meetings can be with internal staff or external stakeholders. I arrive at work at about 9am and often have a quick call with my Senior Leadership Team colleagues to review anything urgent. I spend time at Leeds Street and pop into other services depending on where I am needed. 

I will usually speak to my Heads of Services most days for a quick catch up. Some days, I deliver safeguarding training; others, I study for my University course, which I started in September. 

Every day can be different and can quickly change depending on what needs prioritising. Finish times vary depending on workloads and deadlines.

 

What’s the most rewarding element of your work?

I love seeing positive outcomes in services. Sadly, I have less contact with the people we support in my current role, but I love hearing about the fantastic good news stories, the amazing care that staff have given, and how that can impact and change lives.

 

Describe your most memorable moment at YMCA Together.

I can’t specify one particular story as there are so many. However, the staff teams inspire me the most. I’m regularly reminded of how caring and kind they are, advocating for the people we support to ensure they get the care they need and deserve. 

We’ve had a number of residents who have required End of Life Care and wanted to stay in our services. It’s such a privilege they have chosen us to care for them and see the accommodation we create as a place they can call home.

 

How do you relax outside of work?

I love spending time with my family. I have a cheeky Border Collie, and we love spending time on the beach. When I’m not in my wellies, I like binge-watching TV in my PJs or sometimes being fancy by going out for a nice meal or cocktail.

 

If you could change one thing about society to improve the lives of the people you work alongside, what would it be?

All services would review their system barriers to be more inclusive, flexible and creative to give the best opportunity for access to the people who need support.