Our Strategic Leadership Team

The Strategic Leadership team is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of our corporate plan and the delivery of the housing management and maintenance services to all our customers. 

Members are remunerated in line with their experience, skills and responsibility. All roles at Irwell Valley are reviewed against other similar roles and organisations in the sector. Click here to see more detail in our financial statement.

Image of Sasha Deepwell

Sasha Deepwell, Chief Executive

Sasha is a senior housing executive with a track record of transformational leadership that has made a real difference for customers. She joined Irwell Valley Homes in 2017 as Chief Executive. Prior to her current role, she has held senior positions in housing and led many award-winning development and regeneration partnerships. She is also a director of IVDL. Her non-Executive roles include Board member of Northwest Housing Services (the UK’s largest mutual services agency for housing co-operatives and community led housing) and Chair of the Centre for Women’s Justice, a national human rights charity. 

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Team Member Helen

Helen Nicholson, Executive Director (Finance, Governance and Investment)

Helen is a commercially focused executive director who has worked in the public and private sectors. A qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants, she was previously Director of Finance at two other housing providers and has a track record of delivering financial results, value for money, robust risk management and effective leadership.  

At Irwell Valley Homes, Helen is responsible for the strategic leadership of our finance, risk and governance portfolio.  

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Team Member Ceris

Ceris Esplen, Executive Director (Customers)

Ceris is a customer focused strategic leader with a track record of delivery in the public and private sectors. Over the past fifteen years she has held senior roles at national and regional Housing Associations. She is also trustee for a registered charity - committed to making a difference and developing others to succeed. 

At Irwell Valley Homes, she is responsible for the strategic leadership of our customer portfolio, strategy and insight. Ceris is responsible for The transparency, influence and accountability standard, The neighbourhood and community standard and The tenancy standard.

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Team Member Scott

Scott Murray, Executive Director (Homes)

Scott is an experienced leader driven by improving customer experience around service delivery, health and wellbeing, and safety and compliance. His 25-year career spans the housing sector at both registered providers and local authorities, as well as with one of the UK’s largest contractors delivering homes and place-related services. Scott has a keen interest in developing high performing teams and is also a non-executive director at another registered provider.

At Irwell Valley Homes, he is responsible for the strategic leadership of our property portfolio. Scott is responsible for The safety and quality standard.

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Team Memberv2

Samantha Young, Director of People, Technology and Innovation

Sam is an experienced leader of change and transformation with a wealth of technology experience. She has worked in senior positions and consultancy roles spanning private, public and voluntary organisations, and previously held Board positions in Health and Housing, latterly chairing an NHS workforce committee. 

At Irwell Valley Homes, Sam is responsible for colleague experience and continually improving our services through using modern technology. Sam is also responsible for Health and Safety at Irwell Valley Homes.

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