At Seetec, we know that the strength of our work lies in the dedication and humanity of our people.
In this first edition of a new series we’re calling “We Are Seetec”, we meet Lee Crowhurst, an accommodation support officer whose unique background and community involvement helps drive impact both inside and outside the prison gates.
How a job posting changed everything
“I got into this role by accident,” Lee says with a smile.
“I had a background in psychology and customer service, and I was working in retail when I saw a job opening at Seetec.”
That unexpected move turned out to be a defining moment.
Today, Lee works directly with prison leavers, helping them secure housing, navigate the transition back into the community, and avoid the revolving door of reoffending.
Before joining Seetec, Lee worked as a fraud investigator, a role that sharpened his skills in analysis, questioning, and attention to detail.
“I used to investigate fraud for financial institutions,” he says.
“Funny enough, I used to put people in prison. Now, I’m helping them stay out of it.”
Addressing complex needs in a pressured system
Lee’s current role involves both prison-based and community-based work.
Two days a week, he’s stationed at Five Wells Prison, meeting individuals ahead of release to assess their housing needs.
The other two days, he’s based at the Northampton Probation Office, where he follows up with clients and liaises with housing providers.
The challenges are real, especially with the ongoing housing shortage.
“We’re in a housing crisis,” he says.
There’s no such thing as a typical day, one minute I’m doing referrals or paperwork; the next, I’m chasing up housing leads or supporting someone who’s just been released.
Lee
“There’s demand across the board, not just among people coming out of prison. Every day we get new referrals, but the number of suitable placements is limited.
“Still, you push through, because even helping one person find a stable place to live can change the trajectory of their life.”
A Passion for Radio and Connection
Outside of work, Lee gives back to his community in a very different way: through hospital radio.
As a volunteer presenter at Radio Nene Valley, based at Northampton General Hospital, Lee creates programmes designed to comfort, entertain, and connect patients during their hospital stays.
“It’s something I absolutely love,” he says. “Hospital can be an isolating place, and just hearing a familiar voice or a favourite song can really brighten someone’s day.”
Lee helps plan and present music shows, takes ward requests, interviews guests, and even curates themed segments, ranging from nostalgic music hours to uplifting chat shows.
His background in public speaking and empathy from his day job gives him a natural ease behind the mic.
“We get feedback from patients and their families,” he says. “And when someone tells you your show made them smile or helped them through a rough patch, that’s powerful.”
Lee also supports the technical and production side, ensuring each broadcast runs smoothly and reaches as many listeners as possible.
Building Confidence Through Public Speaking
Lee is also active in Toastmasters, where he serves as a member and mentor at the Northampton Speakers Club.
The organisation helps people build confidence in public speaking, leadership, and effective communication.
“I’m a big believer in giving people the tools to express themselves,” Lee says.
“Whether it’s a client preparing for a job interview or someone giving their first speech at Toastmasters, helping people find their voice is incredibly rewarding.”
Why Employee Ownership Matters
When asked what being part of an employee-owned organisation means to him, Lee is clear:
“It gives you a voice. Everyone has a stake. That shared responsibility motivates you to do your best, not just for the company, but for your team and the people we support.”
Click here to find out more about employee-ownership.
Proud to have colleagues like Lee
Lee’s journey from fraud investigation to frontline housing support reflects a deep commitment to people, whether it is supporting prison leavers, cheering up hospital patients over the airwaves, or coaching others to find their voice.
At Seetec, we’re proud to have colleagues like Lee, whose impact goes beyond job titles and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), changing lives and building connections where they’re needed most.
Keep visiting the Seetec website to meet more of our employee-owners as the “We Are Seetec” series continues.
