New Chair Appointed

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< EM>February 2006

Chair appointed by new housing group

Three organisations which provide a range of affordable housing and care services in the south of England and which are discussing the formation of a new regional housing group have appointed a new Chair.

Oriel and Parkside Housing Groups along with Drum Housing Association have appointed Professor David Croisdale-Appleby to lead a shadow board which will steer the process of bringing them together. This follows agreement by the three main boards to move toward a full grouping during 2006. All three are key players in the Wayfarer development consortium which has secured significant funding for new affordable and key worker homes from the Housing Corporation in both the 2004-2006 and New Partnerships funding rounds.

David worked in communications, advertising and corporate strategy for most of his commercial life, and led a number of major UK and multinational organizations as CEO. Over the last 8 years David has focused on leading organizations in the public and not-for-profit sectors in forwarding the social
justice agenda. He is also a Professor and Member of Council at the University of Durham.

He is deeply involved in Health Service strategy and Medical Education, as a Board Member of NHS Confederation and as a Visitor for the GMC and PMETB. He is the Chairman of Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust, where he led the merger of two Trusts to form the current organisation, experience of direct relevance to the creation of the new housing Group. He is a Chair of Audit and a Board Member of Turning Point, the UKs largest social care provider, and
chairs Yarrow HA, which provides care and accommodation for those with learning disabilities.

One of the first tasks of the new Chair will be to assist in the process of appointing a Chief Executive (Designate) which will be followed by other senior appointments.

David is delighted with this appointment. ғI am looking forward to the role of chairing the new Group. I have no doubt that it will have a real impact regionally and influence national policy: I am looking forward to making my contribution to a such a valuable enterprise, he said.

Phillip Callan of PCA Management Consultants Ԗ who were appointed to support the process leading to the three partner organisations formally agreeing to come together is pleased with the way the selection process was carried out. ֓David's appointment as Chair of the new Group is very welcome. Apart from an extensive and successful commercial career, David has an outstanding public service record in the areas of health, housing, education and disability. Combined with his passion for social justice, this background will enable him to bring strong and thoughtful leadership to the Group during its critical formative stage.

The proposed group will own or manage over 14,600 homes in Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. It plans to reinvest efficiency gains secured through merger to further improve the quality of its services, and increase its capacity to deliver new affordable homes.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Southampton based Oriel Housing Group comprise two key elements: Swaythling Housing Society and Portal Housing Association. Its mission is ԓto provide affordable homes and related services which improve housing conditions and choices and strengthen communities in the south central
region. It owns or manages 5,750 homes in Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Berkshire based Parkside Housing Group is in business ԓto support people and
neighbourhoods to reach their goals. Windsor Housing and Longwood Park provide housing in the Group and Turnstone Support offers care and support services. They operate in Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire and Buckinghamshire owning or managing over 4,400 homes and providing care and support services to over 300 vulnerable adults.

Drum Housing Association is based in Petersfield. Its mission is ԓto provide homes and build communities that everyone can be proud of. It owns or manages over 4,500 homes in Hampshire.

The three organisations are registered with the Housing Corporation, a government funded agency that provides grant aid and regulates all such Registered Social Landlords.

For further information please contact Laurence Fowler on 01730 403003.