Chris Thatcher
Chair

Chris has been a member of the Board since 2000. He worked for a major high street bank for 35 years until his retirement, and now acts as a business and finance consultant for some local companies.

"I am extremely proud to be a Trustee of Southdown, and to be associated with an organisation which does so much for the less advantaged and exhibits such a strong sense of caring and professionalism. I like to think that, with my own business experience, I can help the Association thrive and increase the number of clients that it serves."

John Robinson
Vice Chair

John has been a member of the Board since 2000 and chairs the Quality Assurance section of the Board. John also chairs the West Sussex MENCAP District Committee and is a member of the West Sussex Partnership Board for Learning Difficulties.

"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."

Gill Fairham BSc MCIH

Gill has been a member of the Board since 2002 and she chairs the Housing Committee of the Board.

"I am a professional housing manager with experience in housing associations, local authorities and the private sector. I am particularly interested in Southdown as I have a brother with learning difficulties and want to see best practice promoted."

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."

Roger Moore MCIH

Roger is a long standing member, having joined the Board in 1997. He is now retired, having worked in the social housing field for 44 years.Roger also sits on the Development and Housing committees.

"I feel proud and privileged to have been involved with Southdown for the past eleven years; the Association is well respected within the sector and continues to provide excellent, first class services to its tenants and other service users."

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.

“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."

Kate Dodsworth

Kate joined the Board in 2008. Kate works for the National Housing Federation and has worked previously for a range of organisations offering housing and support to homeless adults.

"Having worked in social housing for over 15 years, I am delighted to be involved with Southdown Housing Association; especially as I worked for the Association early on in my career! I am impressed by the excellent work the organisation does to maximise the choice and independence of vulnerable adults and proud to be part of it."

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."

Aideen Jones, CSS, Associate Member of IOD
Chief Executive and Company Secretary

Aideen has spent more than 33 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. Aideen 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 Trust.

"Listening to what our tenants have to say about our services helps Southdown to stay dynamic and responsive. We have a 'can do' approach and believe in the individuality of tenants so will always do our best to find tailor made solutions to tenants needs.

I am absolutely proud of the work that Southdown does and privileged to head such a dynamic organisation"