Matt has been a ccha Board member since July 2023.
New Board members update
Changes to the Board
In March, Heather Thomas stepped down as Chair of ccha after serving her two terms in the position. In her place, we’re pleased to welcome Maureen Adams, who became a Board member in January 2024 and assumed the role of Chair in April 2024. We look forward to seeing her positively influence our organisation. Maureen Adams brings extensive experience to her new role, with over 25 years in the housing industry, demonstrating a profound understanding of housing, communities, and customer service.
You can read Heather’s ‘Reflections of an outgoing Chair on our website, as well as Maureen’s introduction.
Heather Thomas
Maureen Adams
Meet the new Board members
We are also pleased to welcome two new Board members who joined us in March 2024.
David Hall
Please tell us a bit about yourself?
I have been involved in social housing for over 25 years, working for a number of different landlords in finance and similar roles. I am currently the Director of Finance for Orwell Housing, having recently moved from a role in the east end of London. I now live in Suffolk with my wife, and we have two grown-up sons, both engineers. Outside work, I’m a keen runner, especially supporting Park Runs and am an Ipswich Town fan.
Why did you join ccha?
I’m passionate about people’s need for a safe and comfortable home and the difference this can make in their lives. I’ve been fortunate to work with some great organisations in the housing sector and supported Boards and Board members for many years in my job. This is a part that I particularly enjoy, and I want to share that experience and help support ccha in its continued success. Both Orwell and ccha focus on housing for older people, and sharing this experience should benefit both organisations and our residents.
What do you do as a Board member and a Committee member?
As a Board member and an Audit Committee member, I want to ensure that we listen to our residents and customers, make plans to improve their experience, and strive to do that as well as we can. We also need to ensure that we stay financially strong to continue supporting customers into the future.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Board member?
Working with colleagues within the ccha team, making a positive difference to customers, providing and improving homes, seeing the outcomes of that work, and receiving positive feedback is always great to hear.
What are you excited to get involved with over the next year?
ccha is well-placed and has a great committed team. We know there are areas we need to improve, and we are determined to do that. I look forward to being part of the next stage of our plan.
Bruce Shelmerdine
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I live in Bromley and work for a housing association in Medway. In my downtime, I like to keep fit by swimming and running. I’m currently trying to visit as many park runs as possible, always with the aim of avoiding being lapped.
Why did you join ccha?
With a career spanning over 30 years in the housing sector, my passion for affordable housing is deeply rooted. I am eager to leverage this extensive experience to support the team at ccha.
What do you do as a Board member, and what Committee are you on?
I sit on the main Board and the Development and Assets Committee. I help set the strategic direction of ccha and the rest of the Board and am ultimately responsible for how ccha delivers its services.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Board member?
While my tenure at ccha is still in its early stages, I’m already captivated by the prospect of contributing to the planning of its future direction. Witnessing the passion and energy of the ccha team has been a truly inspiring experience.
What are you excited to get involved with over the next year?
With me only being part of the Board a few months, I look forward to learning more and seeing ccha grow.