THE BHF TEAM
JEZ SWEETLAND, PROJECT DIRECTOR
Jez has initiated and managed strategic development in a variety of settings. His previous positions include CEO of Guildhall Barrister’s Chambers, and CEO of a charitable national skills training organisation. He founded the Bristol Housing Festival in 2018 and believes collaboration is the key to lasting social development. Jez lives in Bristol with his wife, Joanna and his three children.
JESSIE WILDE, DEPUTY PROJECT DIRECTOR
Jessie is jointly responsible for the development and delivery of the festival. Her previous roles included working for a leading anti-slavery organisation, developing key stakeholder relationships and supporting organisational growth. Jessie is passionate about social justice and equality. Her work is motivated by her conviction of the value and dignity of every person. She has an MSt in Social Innovation at the Cambridge Judge Business School.
DR ELLEN GRIST, RESEARCH AND EVALUATION LEAD
Ellen is a Chartered civil engineer with a background in systems thinking. Her doctoral research explored innovative and sustainable materials and technologies in construction, and she has written a number of academic papers on this topic. Ellen is passionate about community development and reducing environmental impact through shared facilities. Ellen also manages a popular cafe-laundrette in Bristol.
REV. NICOLA HARRIS, CHAPLAIN FOR HOUSING, BRISTOL DIOCESE
Nicola was appointed as Chaplain For Housing in Bristol Diocese and Associate Curate to the Bristol Cathedral in July 2021. Her curacy includes both her ministerial role at Bristol Cathedral and her role as Chaplain for Housing, allowing her to pursue her interest in considering the place the church has in helping to bring the systemic change needed to address the housing crisis in Bristol and the UK. She is passionate about serving the community of Bristol and building partnerships between local communities, businesses, charities and faith organisations. Her background is in Occupational Therapy and she lives in Bristol with her husband, two daughters and two dogs.
JESSIE HAYDEN (NEE CARTER), PROJECTS AND POLICY LEAD
Jessie has been involved with the Bristol Housing Festival supporting the founders since its inception. As the Policy and Projects Lead she is now a core member of the team particularly leading on projects such as the Climate Smart Cities Challenge. She also supports the Festival through building engagement with stakeholders, policy research, communications and event management. She has a MSc in Sociology and is passionate about social inequalities and the impact of poor housing on women and minority groups. She is currently enjoying the sunshine working remotely from South Africa.
ANDREW STANSBURY, PROJECT DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Andrew joins the Bristol Housing Festival having worked with various charities in Bristol over the past 10 years. His passion for housing comes from seeing how poor, unsuitable accommodation often plays a significant role in social and educational exclusion. Andrew lives in Bristol with his wife and 2 children.
MALCOLM BOURNE, ASSOCIATE
Malcolm has extensive experience in property and is passionate about the holistic opportunities the property sector provides for social and environmental sustainability. He advises on asset management and strategy for commercial and residential properties, and coaches individuals and business start-ups. Malcolm has pioneered several social enterprises, working closely with the charity sector. He has served on the board of trustees for a Bristol-based homeless charity.