Introducing Southdown’s new Head of Partnerships: Emma McDermott
Posted on 11 March 2025
Our Communications Manager, Alice Clements, recently had the chance to sit down with Emma for a conversation.
Here’s what she shared…
Can you share a little about your background that aligns with the role of Head of Partnerships at Southdown?
Before joining Southdown, I built my career in local government with a strong focus on community engagement and partnership working.
My journey began as a graduate training officer and then evolved through roles that consistently involved working with communities and the voluntary sector.
I started out as a grants officer for VCSE organisations in Tameside, moved into Housing and Development Strategy at Salford City Council, and later led Neighbourhood Renewal at Brighton and Hove City Council. For the past 10 years, I served as the Head of Communities, Equality and Third Sector at Brighton & Hove Council.
In every role, I have been committed to building partnerships that enhance residents’ lives – whether through strategic planning, programme delivery, community engagement or grant-making designed to ensure our resources make the maximum impact.
What attracted you to join the team at Southdown?
When I first saw the Head of Partnerships role advertised, numerous colleagues and friends told me, “This is you, Emma!” After reading more about Southdown, I immediately recognised a shared vision. The organisation’s dedication to excellence, collaborative leadership, and, most importantly, being resident and client-centred resonated deeply with me.
I value respectful openness, honesty, and empathy – qualities that are clearly embedded in Southdown’s culture. I believe in working together around a clear, common goal, with leadership that truly “walks the talk.”
I’m excited to join a team and organisation that prizes constructive feedback and continuous improvement.
What are the key priorities for you as our Head of Partnerships?
During my induction, I made it a priority to ask colleagues from across the organisation, “What do you need from the Head of Partnerships?” The responses were inspiring in their shared vision.
My key priorities include:
- Positioning Southdown as a Leader: Elevate our profile in housing, care and support through proactive engagement and strategic partnerships.
- Building Robust Partnerships: Forge and nurture alliances that enhance service delivery and create new opportunities for residents and clients.
- Showcasing Best Practice: Share and celebrate our innovative work – like the UOK initiative in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex – as a beacon of partnership excellence.
- Horizon Scanning: Continuously explore emerging trends and opportunities that can benefit Southdown and our partners.
What are the biggest challenges facing our sector right now and how can working in partnership help?
The challenges are significant, but partnerships offer a way forward:
- Funding Pressures: Rising costs and tight budgets are universal challenges. By working together, we can highlight these pressures and counter the myth that VCSE organisations aren’t run efficiently. A unified message – tailored to different audiences – can make a powerful impact.
- Escalating Costs: As costs continue to rise, we absorb these expenses rather than passing them on to our clients. Collaborative partnerships allow us to make more tactical decisions, sharing insights on where changes can be made without sacrificing the quality of our services.
- Complexity of Need: With residents’ needs growing more complex amid financial constraints, a connected system is essential. Working in partnership enables us to learn from one another and build a more resilient network that maximises the impact of every service.
- Staff Retention and Morale: High pressure and resource constraints can take a toll on staff. By pooling our strengths and sharing best practices, we can better support our teams, ensuring that every organisation – and every individual – can thrive.
Ultimately, rather than working in isolation, our sector benefits immensely when we draw on our collective strengths. By collaborating, we can create a future where both Southdown and our valued partners not only survive but truly thrive.
A warm welcome to Emma!
