Craig started his career working in customer service and call-centre jobs for companies like BT and The AA before progressing into training and leadership roles involved in setting up and managing customer service teams for organisations as diverse as a chain of gyms and a national broadcaster.
Born and raised in South Shields, his work took him away from the region, spending time in Manchester and eventually settling in London.
Craig has always been keenly interested in computing and being made redundant in the late '00s spurred him on to turn a hobby into a career; he has spent the last 14 years working as a freelance software and web developer for various companies ranging from windscreen glass repairers to healthcare providers.
Further life changes found Craig relocating back to South Tyneside nearer to family and since 2019 has been a tenant of South Tyneside Homes.
Craig enjoys gaming and learning sleight-of-hand card magic.
Sean McDonagh
Operations Committee (Vice Chair)
Previously a Co-optee on our Housing and Corporate Services Committee, Sean was successful in his application to become a Board member in 2020. Sean's interest in local housing issues originated when the Decent Homes initiative was implemented in 2006 and has continued to grow since then.
Sean has experience in residents' groups within the borough, time on the "Making Jarrow Dementia Friendly" group and his work as a Local Authority Governor for two local Primary Schools, Sean has a wide knowledge of the needs of the residents of the borough.
Sean previously worked in local shipping and logistics and then went on to develop his knowledge by gaining a Higher Education certificate in Computing and Mathematics.
Council nominated members
Cllr Richard Porthouse
Governance and People Committee
Richard's passion for housing came following his appointment as Vice Chair to the board of South Tyneside Housing Ventures Trust.
He brings a wealth of experience to his role as a board member from his work as a production manager, a project manager and an area manager. Richard has worked at home and abord in heavy industry including fabrication, shipbuilding and nuclear power stations. He was awarded a commendation for his role during an incident on an offshore oil platform.
Richard wants to make sure quality services are delivered to residents with health and safety as a driver.
Richard is a council nominated board member and has been a Councillor since 2010.
Richard is on the Governance and People Committee.
