Get to know Members of the Board
ccha’s Board plays a very important role in ccha’s overall direction. They are instrumental in the business planning process and ensuring that we have residents at the heart of what we do. They aren’t included in the day-to-day running of ccha but do monitor our operational performance closely through regular reporting. The Board are here to ensure that ccha acts in the best interests of our residents, staff, partners and other company stakeholders.
In our Annual Report, we interviewed our Chair of ccha, Heather Thomas, to learn more about her passions, interests, and role. You can read that here.
Last year was a big year for new board members. We welcomed Julian, Mark, Nathan, and Marcella as new Board Members.
We had a chat with each of them to find out a bit more about them.
Meet Mark Collins
Mark has been a ccha Board Member since May 2020. Joining during the pandemic means he hasn’t had a chance to meet many residents but hopes to change that in the future.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I live in Hertfordshire with my wife and two teenage daughters. Alongside being a ccha board member, I work for Openreach, part of British Telecom.
What prompted you to apply to be a Board Member?
I want everyone living in the UK to have good health services, education, and housing. I’ve worked in and around South London for some time, so I’ve always had a love for Croydon. I don’t come from a housing background, but I do bring a good understanding of customer satisfaction, digital services, and good governance.
What do you do as a Board Member? I sit on the main board and work on two committees. The Remuneration Committee ensures we attract the right people to work at ccha, and the Audit Risk Committee ensures our business is safe.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Board Member?
The most rewarding part of this job is working with the senior team in ccha. They are passionate about making a difference for all ccha residents.
What are you excited to get involved with over the next year?
We have several strategic objectives for next year. I am really excited about the more affordable homes pledge – our priority this year is to secure at least 40 homes through traditional land and build procurement.
Meet Nathan Gravesande
Nathan is a long-time Croydon resident and has been a ccha Board Member for just over a year. He is interested in housing issues concerning the BAME community and has experience delivering new homes across the housing sector.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I have been fortunate to have a progressive career in housing development, working at Director and Executive level in small and national organisations. I’ve delivered several major allocations, built new homes, and regenerated a number of large estates throughout London.
I have been passionate about BAME housing issues for over 25 years and I’ve sat on several Committees and Boards in this respect.
In my personal life, I have an interest in fitness, including boxercise and circuit training – it’s hard but fun!
What prompted you to apply to be a Board Member? Years ago, I worked alongside ccha developing homes in and around Croydon. Many years later, when the opportunity to join the Board presented itself, it was a quick decision. As I have lived in Croydon for some time, I’m aware of the local issues which dominate the landscape.
What do you do as a Board Member?
I am a member of the Board for ccha and cchadl (ccha’s development company). Being involved at both levels means we can agree on the business direction alongside the Executive Team to ensure we get the best out of our developments.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Board Member?
Having been involved with various housing association Boards, I’m always attracted to those with a very local presence. ccha has that presence and a clear vision and values. It knows how to get the best out of its size and location.
What are you excited to get involved with over the next year?
I’m excited to help deliver our promises and develop strategies to deliver our agreed objectives set out in the business plan.
Meet Julian Chun
Julian joined ccha as a Board Member in September 2021 but has previous experience of being a Board Member with other specialist and larger regional housing providers. He has a particular interest in repairs and safety.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your passions and interests?
I am an Executive Director for a housing organisation and in my spare time I manage my son’s football team, which I’ve done for the past 8 years. I also organise our local football club’s annual 6-aside tournament. It has quickly turned into one of the largest events of its kind in the country, bringing together over 350 teams from across the South.
What prompted you to apply to be a Board Member and what values do you bring to the Board?
As an Executive Director in the housing industry, being a Board member widens my viewpoint of housing operations. I hope to add value to ccha from my sector experience and breadth of knowledge beyond my core skills. My values revolve around honesty and loyalty, traits that organisations, such as ccha, should offer their residents.
What do you do as a Board Member? It’s early days for me at ccha, but I expect to support the Board in influencing the shape of the services we offer residents. I have a specific interest in the repairs service, so I will look for assurance that our safety procedures are robust and well structured.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Board Member? Making a difference to the lives of residents and their enjoyment of their home and the place they live.
What are you excited to get involved with over the next year? Firstly, I want to gain a clear understanding of how ccha operates and how customers feel about the services we offer. The Board will work closely with the Executive Team to ensure the repairs service delivers its key promises to customers while delivering excellent value for money.
Meet Marcella Jenoure
Marcella is a Board Member who joined in September 2021. She is interested in contributing a resident’s perspective and ensuring great customer service.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your passions and interests? I was born and raised in Croydon and have been a ccha resident for over 10 years. I am a solo mum of two; I home-school my youngest child and work as a Mindset and Wellbeing Coach.
What prompted you to apply to be a Board Member and what values do you bring to the Board? I’ve always enjoyed social and community outreach work and being a Croydon resident for over 20 years, this was a good opportunity to influence changes that impact people like me who live in social housing. I hope to bring a sense of integrity to the Board, with my desire to bring great customer care and put residents first. It is important to me that we deliver on the promises we set out to residents.
How long have you been a Board Member?
I joined in September 2021 with my first board meeting a little while after. It feels like I’ve been here longer!
What do you do as a Board Member? Committees?
As a Board Member, I contribute a resident’s perspective to everything we discuss. I bring a unique experience to the Board and challenge, question and ensure our residents have the representation they need.
From Jan 2022, I’ll be part of the Remuneration Committee. We will review the Chair's salary and ensure the goals we set are in line with their pay.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Board Member?
So far, I’ve enjoyed the scope of the conversation and discovering how things work behind the scenes. Some things may seem unrelated to the resident experience, but I’m glad to be involved in the process and see the knock-on effect those decisions have on residents. We’ve also been discussing the Net Zero campaign, which I am talking about with my children, so it’s good to see what ccha are doing to shape the future.
What are you excited to get involved with over the next year?
I’m excited to get involved with Objective 1 of our Corporate Business Plan: Resident Standards. Most of us want to live in homes we can be proud of that offer a sense of safety and dignity. I’ll be using my experience and customer service background to work with directors to help shape the customer standards.
