Paul Stephens, Director of Housing & Communities

I started my working career in 1976 as a Painter and Decorator with a Local Authority which is strange as I actually applied to be a joiner but they had no vacancies !!

After 7 years working outside in the cold and wet I moved into the Finance Team as a door to door rent collector which was great as I met many very nice people and formed some really good relationships.  Like my time as a painter I was working and meeting tenants every day and gained a really good understanding of the views of tenants in those days as they often shared their views and comments of the Council with me. 

I then found my true vocation in 1988 and became an Estate Services Officer progressing to an Assistant Housing Manager in 1994.  I left to join the housing association world (Home Group) in 1996 where I was fortunate to work across the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Scotland.  

After 9 very happy years I moved to Chester-le-Street District Council in September 2005 as Head of Housing and then transferred as Director of Housing and Communities for Cestria in February 2008.  I can confidently say that there is never a dull moment in Cestria and two days are never the same.  I have a fantastic team around me and am lucky to work with some very talented and committed people.