Tony Cox joined Esland as Head of Estates in 2020 and has since expanded his role to lead Estates, Fleet and Health & Safety across the organisation. With a hands-on background and a practical approach, Tony is passionate about creating safe, supportive environments where homes and schools can focus on what matters most: children.

Hi, my name is Tony Cox, and I’m the Head of Estates and Health & Safety at Esland. I’ve been part of the organisation since 2020, and during that time my role has developed alongside the growth of the company.

I joined Esland to lead Estates, and over time I was trusted to take on additional responsibility for Fleet and Health & Safety. That trust has been an important part of my journey here. As the organisation has grown, so have I.

My journey so far

My career didn’t begin in Estates leadership. I started out as a handmade brick maker before moving into building sites and completing a motor vehicle mechanical apprenticeship. Later, I gained formal health and safety qualifications, building the technical foundation that supports my role today.

When I joined Esland, I brought that practical experience with me. Over the years, my responsibilities have expanded, but the core of the job has remained the same; making sure our environments are safe, compliant and fit for purpose.

The growth hasn’t just been in workload. It’s been in confidence, perspective and understanding how estates and safety truly support the wider organisation.

Purpose, people and progression

What has kept me here is the support.

I have a line manager who understands the importance of estates and health and safety and backs the work we do. The team I work with are collaborative and always willing to help. After many years in different environments, that level of support stands out.

Estates and Safety might sit behind the scenes, but they underpin everything. When homes and schools are safe and well maintained, teams can focus fully on young people. Knowing that our work helps create stability for children is what gives the role purpose.

What the role looks like today

No two days are the same.

A typical week can involve reviewing works plans, meeting with managers and regional leads to discuss concerns, visiting homes and schools, assessing potential properties, or overseeing ongoing developments.

It’s about listening carefully, understanding what homes need and finding practical solutions. I try to make health and safety feel supportive rather than restrictive. Our role is to help, not to add pressure.

I also enjoy bringing maintenance teams together in smaller, more relaxed settings. When discussions feel open and approachable, people are more comfortable raising concerns and sharing ideas. That’s when the best outcomes happen.

Growth, resilience and values

Growth for me has always come through learning and listening.

I continue to complete professional development through IOSH and ongoing training to ensure I stay current in my responsibilities. But just as important is learning from the people around me. Every home is different. Every challenge is different. Staying curious is essential.

The values I connect with most are Fun, Kind and Curious. I like to keep things light-hearted where appropriate. Kindness shapes how I work with teams. Curiosity helps me understand what is really needed. And when required, I can be bold in making decisions that protect young people and staff.

One of the most important decisions I ever made was enrolling on an adult literacy course when my first child was born. I wanted to be able to read to him. That commitment to self-development has stayed with me ever since. I’ve never stopped learning.

Moments that matter

Some of the most rewarding moments come from working alongside the Maintenance team, making sessions practical and engaging rather than formal. Seeing people feel confident and involved makes a real difference.

For anyone considering a role like mine, my advice would be simple: be open-minded, don’t take things personally, and remember that staff in homes carry significant responsibility. Our role is to support them and provide reassurance that we are there to help.

At the heart of it, Estates and Safety are about people. If we get it right, children benefit.