As the country gears up to mark Starts at Home Day (29 August), Accent Housing shines a spotlight on one of its most committed and impactful leaders - Tanya Scott, Head of Specialist Housing. Since joining Accent just over two years ago, Tanya has gone above and beyond to ensure that some of the most vulnerable people in society are not just housed, but heard, supported, and empowered.
With over 20 years of experience in safeguarding and supporting vulnerable communities, Tanya brings more than expertise, she brings compassion, purpose, and visibility to a role that spans the length and breadth of the UK. Based in the North East, Tanya spends three to four days each week out and about making sure that she is a visible and accessible leader to her team and customers alike.
Nick Apetroaie, CEO at Accent, said: “Tanya stands out as one of unsung heroes who goes above and beyond on a daily basis. She’s not just managing services, she’s creating a culture of care, resilience, and excellence.”
Her role as Head of Specialist Housing was newly created in 2023, a strategic move by Accent to strengthen its provision of temporary accommodation and specialist housing ( over 55). In just over two years, Tanya has transformed the service, implementing customer-first approaches, embedding trauma-informed and safeguarding best practices, and leading her team through a period of successful change.
Nick Apetroaie added: "Tanya’s presence is felt in every part of the organisation, as she makes a point of being seen and heard, not just by her team, but by the customers whose lives her work touches. She has received glowing feedback and been nominated for internal awards for her outstanding leadership and deep social values.”
Tanya holds multiple qualifications in leadership, coaching, and business improvement, including an ILM Level 5 in Coaching. Her leadership is defined by empathy, performance improvement, and a passion for empowering teams and residents alike.
In addition to her leadership at Accent, Tanya also serves as Safeguarding Lead and is a Board Member at Age UK Teesside, reflecting her lifelong commitment to advocacy and community wellbeing.
Tanya’s proudest achievements include embedding a culture where both customers and colleagues feel safe and supported, as well as challenging outdated service models in favour of person-centred support. Her greatest career challenge, and triumph, has been making sure that the voices of vulnerable people are central in decision-making across the housing sector.
As we celebrate Starts at Home Day, Tanya Scott exemplifies everything the campaign stands for, the belief that everything starts with a safe, supportive place to call home, and with the people who dedicate their lives to making that possible.
“My career spans leadership roles at Thirteen Housing Group, the Albert Centre, and the NHS, where I managed care and support services, strategic growth, and stakeholder engagement. The best thing about working in housing is making a real difference in creating safe, supportive communities where people thrive. Housing isn’t just a job; it’s a calling rooted in compassion.” - Tanya Scott