FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Helen Ogden has been appointed to the role of Procurement Director at Homes for Students (HfS).
Ogden joins the business with over 18 years of experience in procurement and energy strategy within the real estate industry. In her new role, she will lead the procurement team as the organisation continues its planned expansion of services across the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector.
Ogden will also oversee supplier performance and strengthen commercial outcomes across the group’s wider living platforms, aligning procurement strategies throughout the business including build-to-rent (BTR) and co-living, working closely with HFS’s sister company VervLife and its European platform, Orla.
Her expertise in strategic sourcing and energy management will play a key role in ensuring HFS, VervLife and Orla continue to deliver value, efficiency and high-quality service to clients and partners.
Co-CEO Graham Rogers commented: “This appointment reflects our continued investment in strong leadership and our commitment to building the capabilities needed to support our growing living platforms across the UK and Europe. Helen has already made a positive impact on our procurement processes and energy strategies, and we are delighted to welcome her to the team.”
Helen’s appointment comes as Corporate Energy & Utilities Specialist Monica Valuteanu marks her first anniversary with Homes for Students. Over the past 12 months, Monica has played a key role in implementing strategic utility procurement and safeguarding HFS and its clients against short-term volatility in the energy market driven by geopolitical developments.
Rogers added: “Monica and Helen’s combined expertise, together with their wider team ensures a resilient and agile service for our clients. Their leadership and deep industry knowledge are strengthening our foundations and supporting long-term stability.”
FMJ and Watco Webinar: Meeting compliance in a new culture of accountability
From January 2026, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) formally separated from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Created under the Building Safety Act 2022 in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the BSR is designed to raise safety standards across the built environment and introduce a stronger culture of accountability, transparency, and proactive risk management.
This shift places facilities managers in a more strategic safety assurance role – far beyond routine maintenance.
FMJ and Watco are hosting a webinar on 22 April at 11:00am to explore what this new regulatory landscape means for FMs. To register for the webinar click here.
Can’t make it no problem…
Simply register above and after the webinar has been broadcast, we will send you a link to watch the recording.
