Aideen Jones, CSS, Associate Member of IOD
Chief Executive

Aideen has spent more than 34 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 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".

Neil Blanchard, BSc (Hons), A.R.I.C.S, MCIH
Director - Housing & Community Services
(including Supported Employment)

Neil originally qualified as a chartered surveyor and worked for a number of years in commercial property development and management. Since 1993 he has worked in the social housing sector specialising in providing services to vulnerable people including former rough sleepers, people with sensory impairments, young people leaving care and people living with HIV/Aids. He joined Southdown in May 2001. He is member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and Chartered Institute of Housing.

Neil has overseen a period of significant growth within the Supported Housing division, which now provides services to 1500 people across the South of England and includes Supported Employment and Vocational Services. He takes an active lead on tenant involvement within the organisation and is firmly committed to creating an environment where tenants and staff have opportunities and feel comfortable to provide honest feedback to enable us to continually improve our services.

“I am proud to work for an innovative ‘not for profit’ organisation that is able to demonstrate sound business practice and performance at the same time as upholding strong core values for both tenants and staff”

Vikki Hayward Cripps, BSc (Hons) PhD CIPD
Director - Corporate Services 

Originally trained as a psychologist, then later as a manager, trainer and HR specialist, Vikki has worked for over 25 years for organisations providing support and housing services to vulnerable people. She joined Southdown in 1996, having previously worked for the NHS, London based RSL's and Local Authorities.

Vikki is committed to ensuring that both the staff and the systems underpinning the operational services are of high quality and are cost effective.

"I apply the 'value to the tenants' rule of thumb to all systems and initatives, asking the question how does this add value to the services tenants receive?"

Rob Skeggs, BSc (Hons), ACA
Director - Finance and Property Services

Having obtained a degree in Land Management, Rob qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1995. He has held a variety of senior finance positions within the commercial sector including roles for a well known auction house and a national bookmaker. In 2004 Rob moved into the not-for-profit sector working for a large animal charity. Rob is an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (England and Wales).

Rob is very keen on staff development and training and strives to make complex accounting issues easily understandable to non-financial people.

Rob is very excited to join Southdown and is looking forward to providing the business support that is essential for the continued delivery of the high quality service for which Southdown has beome synonymous with.