Jen is Chief Executive of Back on the Map.  She spearheaded the transformation of Back on the Map from the entirely government-funded New Deal for Communities programme to a self-sustaining community business that directly addresses the failing housing market, a large but poorly managed private rented sector and appalling lettings practices.

Having bought and refurbished 84 empty or private rented sector houses and secured another £1.2M house purchase partnership with Sunderland Council and Virgin Money Foundation, BotM housing operations generates six-figure surpluses which fund community services in the Carnegie Community Corner; a former library secured as an asset transfer from Sunderland Council. 

Jen has worked with and for communities at a local, regional and national level for 35 years. She is a champion of community led regeneration and believes the BotM model creates a virtuous cycles of locally-led social and economic transformation.