Kayleigh Sterland-Smith has been appointed as Executive Director of Finance and Technology by Advance. The appointment comes as the national housing and support provider strengthens its strategic leadership and sharpens its focus on long term financial resilience and effective use of technology.
Kayleigh brings more than 17 years of experience across social housing, local government and the charity sector. She joins Advance from Rooftop Housing Group where she spent seven years in senior finance roles. As a qualified CIPFA accountant, Kayleigh holds a Level 5 CIH qualification, combining strong public finance expertise with a detailed understanding of housing and supported services.
Kayleigh said: “I’ve joined Advance at a time where the organisation has lots to celebrate, but also a lot more that it wants to do for current and future customers. What matters most to me is making sure Advance remains a strong and trusted provider as it moves forward. I want colleagues, customers and stakeholders to feel confident that we are a safe pair of hands, while also having the ambition to look ahead to develop and plan for the long term.”
Prior to her most recent role leading the finance directorate of a housing provider, Kayleigh spent more than a decade working in local government and the charity sector, shaping her understanding of and expertise in public finance, governance and supported housing services.
In her new role, Kayleigh is leading Advance’s finance, business assurance and technology functions, with responsibility for financial viability, value for money and the development of systems and data that support clear, effective decision making.
The combined role reflects Advance’s focus on using robust financial management, data and technology to support safe, sustainable services. Kayleigh’s appointment comes as Advance looks ahead to the next phase of the organisationʼs delivery of housing and support for people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions, following its 50-year milestone in 2025.
As the organisation continues to evolve, maintaining trust, transparency and stability remain
a central priority. Kayleigh added: “Advance has a strong purpose and clear objectives, and my role is to make sure our financial management and systems support that properly. That means being open, approachable and rigorous in how we work, while also helping the organisation continue to evolve so it remains strong and sustainable for many years to come.”
Julie Layton, Chief Executive of Advance, said: “Kayleigh has brought a calm, credible presence to Advance so far, at an important point in our journey. She combines deep financial expertise with a strong understanding of supported housing and we’re eager to see how Kayleigh will help to lead Advance into the ever[1]changing digital and financial landscape”.
Her focus on assurance, value for money and long-term sustainability aligns closely with where Advance needs to be. Kayleigh understands the balance between maintaining stability and continuing to move forward, and she is already playing a key role in helping us do both.”
Kayleigh’s appointment, along with the recent appointment of Ryan Brummitt as Executive Director of Support, further supports Advance’s ongoing focus on sustainability, and the delivery of high-quality, person-centred services.
Kayleigh Sterland-Smith, Executive Director of Support at Advance