Peter Jones
BA (Hons) Communication Studies 1979
Peter Jones is Head of Affordable Housing Delivery for Homes England. His responsibilities include motivating and leading a team of specialists to liaise and work with local authorities, housing associations and developers to deliver new affordable housing across the South West of England.
“In collaboration with colleagues, I am a member of the leadership team with overall responsibility to motivate and manage the wider South West team to deliver our targets,” he said.
Peter, originally from Leicester, was attracted to Sunderland in 1976 because Sunderland Polytechnic was one of the two British institutions who offered a BA (Hons) in Communications Studies.
He said: “I think there was only one other course in Sheffield. I have to say that it was the course that attracted me more than the place at first, but I found it a great place to learn and make friends. The staff were enthusiastic, expert and supportive. I loved my three years there.
“Sunderland was still a place coming to terms with the end of its industrial past and finding a new future. As with most places, it was the people who made it memorable. A warmth and directness I wasn’t used to in the Midlands, and I particularly loved the generosity of spirit all across the North East. It’s the only place I know where people talk to strangers at bus stops.”
Peter still remembers with fondness three members of staff: Jeremy Hawthorn, the course leader, and two tutors, Sylvia Harvey and John Corner. “They were great experts in their fields,” Peter added.
His advice to students on how to get a foot on the career ladder and secure their dream job is to grab the opportunities as they arise.
“In my experience, as you pursue your career, other opportunities and directions often arise which you didn’t plan for,” he said. “Grab them even if they don’t fit the route you envisaged. Don’t end up regretting the path you chose not to take.”
Talking about his future plans, the Sunderland graduate commented: “To carry on doing what I am doing, for as long as it makes me happy.”