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Board Members

Southdown is governed by a Board who meet every other month. The Board, which is committed to the National Housing Federation's Code of Governance, consists of the following members:

	Andrew Doig Chair Andrew joined the Board as the Chair in August 2009. He is a former CEO of Peter Bedford Housing Association and has worked as a consultant to charities concerned with mental health, learning disabilities and carers. He is retired but volunteers with MINDOut, the LGBT mental health project. “I am very pleased to lead the Board of Southdown. My job is to see that we continue to offer a high standard of service to the 3,000 people who look to Southdown for support and to make sure that we remain a strong association able to respond to the changing needs and aspirations of people who want to use our services. I am keen on supporting a culture where everyone feels recognised and valued so that they get the most out of life whilst with Southdown.”

	John Robinson Vice Chair John has been a member of the Board since 2000. John chairs the West Sussex Mencap District Committee and in November 2010 was made an Honorary Life Member of Mencap. John is a member of the West Sussex Partnership Board for Learning Difficulties. John is also Vice Chair of Crossroads Care South Central, and a Governor of Manor Green Primary special school in Crawley. "Southdown goes from strength to strength and is very fortunate in having the best and most able group of staff, something relatives of tenants have been very keen to tell me when I have met them. I cannot emphasise enough the hard work and dedication that the staff and my fellow committee members put into this housing association. Southdown is something I am very proud to be part of."


	Ron Hunter CSD DMS Ron has been a member of the Board since 2003 and chairs the Finance Committee. "I fully empathise with and endorse the values, vision and purpose of Southdown Housing Association and firmly believe that the concept of encouraging choice and independence in supported living / housing arrangements is, and should continue to be, the guiding force that drives all of our activity."



	Linda Hawkins Linda is currently a Regional HR Manager for Mencap and has held senior HR positions in other organisations, including in a London based housing association and local authorities. She is CIPD qualified. Linda joined the Board in 2005 and has particular responsibility for personnel matters.

	Joanne Maunders Joanne currently works at Hyde Housing Association as their Principal Development Manager. She has significant experience of development and property management and has previously worked for the Housing Corporation. Joanne chairs the Quality and Operations Committee. “The remarkable works and commitment from Staff and Trustees to promote independence is truly making a real difference to enhance peoples lives and I am proud and delighted to be associated with Southdown”

	Bob Allen Bob joined the Board in 2008 and is a member of the Finance Committee. He has been an internal audit manager with Lewes District Council since 2000, having previously gained wide experience of finance, audit and risk management in a range of private and public sector organisations. " I hope that I can use my knowledge and experience to help Southdown maintain its excellent record in the provision of high quality housing and support services."

	Aideen Jones (Chief Executive) Aideen has spent over 35 years working in the independent social care sector, 16 years were spent working with young people in therapeutic settings in Wales and Sussex and she has worked for Southdown since 1989. She gained a certificate in Social Care in 1980, qualified as a trainer in 1990, and gained a certificate in Public Services from LSE in 2000. She is an associate member of the Institute of Directors. She has been a Board member of the Association since 2005. Aideen is a Voluntary Sector member of the Council of Governors of the Sussex Partnership Foundation NHS Trust. "Listening to what our tenants and service users have to say about Southdown helps us to stay dynamic and responsive. We have a 'can do' approach and believe in the individuality of everyone so will always do our best to find tailor made solutions to tenants and service users' needs. I am absolutely proud of the work that Southdown does and privileged to head such a dynamic organisation."

	Martin Purvis Martin joined the Board in 2008 and is a member of the Finance Committee. His background is in the commercial world, primarily in public limited companies as Legal and Corporate Services Director advising on commercial strategies, acquisitions, regulatory compliance, strategic reviews and for the last few years refinancing and turnaround of distressed companies. "The more I learn about the support Southdown provides the disabled or disenfranchised, and the quality and dedication of its staff, the more humble I feel. I hope I can repay the Association's confidence in me and that my experience can help make a difference."

	Charlotte Carp Charlotte joined the board in October 2008, and currently works leading a Community Business in a large London Borough, which is a partnership organization between Hyde Housing Association, and Metropolitan Housing Trust. Charlotte is a member of the Quality and Operations committee. ”I have over 12 years experience working in social housing and have also run my own business. I hope the skills and experience I bring to the board will enable the association to further it's excellent work. I am a resident of East Sussex, and very pleased to be associated with such a dynamic organisation such as Southdown. I have been really impressed with the commitment of staff and quality of services provided to service users.”

	Graham Weir Graham joined the Board in 2009 and is a member of the Finance Committee. He is a Chartered Accountant and worked in corporate banking for 21 years. He now acts as a business and financial consultant for a variety of local companies. "Southdown is a fantastic organisation and is a class leader in the provision of quality housing and support when and where people need it. I hope that through my business and commercial experience, I can make a positive contribution and play a small part in Southdown's continuing success."

	Colin Nye Colin is a chartered civil engineer with extensive experience of project and operational management. Most of his career has been spent in local government, much of it at chief officer and chief executive level. Since retiring, Colin has concentrated on the voluntary and not-for-profit sector and, for eight years, was chairman of company providing residential and day-care services for people with profound learning disabilities. "Because my elder daughter is profoundly disabled (and is now a Southdown service user), I understand the value of organisations such as Southdown. Southdown is without doubt an outstanding service provider and I am delighted to be able to make a contribution to its continuing success."
	Chris Randall Chris, who was co-opted to the Board and Quality & Operations Committee in November 2011, is Managing Partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter, responsible for managing the firm’s finances and all aspects of compliance with regulatory bodies. Chris qualified as a solicitor in 1991 and brings a wealth of experience to the Southdown Board. “I am looking forward to working with Southdown and making a contribution to an organisation working with people who are disadvantaged. I understand and fully agree with the values and aims that Southdown promotes”
	Caroline Lower Caroline, who was co-opted to the Board and Finance Committee in November 2011, has been CEO of the Martlets Hospice in Brighton and Hove since 1997. She has a wealth of experience in the charitable and not for profit sectors. “I have a passion for effective organisational design which supports high quality service delivery, and am looking forward to sitting on the Board of Southdown to support the work they do with vulnerable adults in Sussex”.