Board

Our Board has a wide range of experience in areas of Southdown’s work, as well as in managing organisations. They support our senior C-suite team to provide strategic direction and ensure Southdown is financially secure, well-run and delivers on all its responsibilities. If you would like a copy of the Register for Board and Committee Members’ Declarations of Interest please contact our Governance Assistant.

Pauline Ford

Chair of the Board

Neil Blanchard

Chief Executive and Board member

Helen Tuddenham

Vice Chair of the Board

Graeme Allinson

Board Member and Board Whistleblowing Lead

Simon Nunan

Simon Nunan

Board Member

Dr Cathy Winfield

Board member

Simon Anderson

Board Member, and Client and Tenant Voice Lead

Cheryl Bannerman

Board Member

Jonathan Senker

Board Member

Jane Lodge

Board Member and Board Safeguarding Lead

Abbey Darling

Co-opted position on Southdown’s Service Quality Committee (SQC).

How our Board is supported

Our Board is supported by three committees, each focusing on an important area of Southdown’s work. They look closely at performance, provide constructive challenge and assurance, and make recommendations to help the Board make well-informed decisions.

The Board remains responsible for Southdown’s overall governance and decision-making.

Service Quality Committee

The Service Quality Committee looks at the quality and safety of our housing, care and support services, with particular attention to the experiences of tenants and clients.

It reviews performance, risks and the arrangements we have in place to oversee our services, helping the Board understand where things are working well and where improvements may be needed. Its oversight also includes the standards expected by the Regulator of Social Housing and the Care Quality Commission.

People, Pay & Culture Committee

The People, Pay & Culture Committee focuses on the people and culture of Southdown, helping the Board oversee how we support our workforce, develop strong leadership and maintain fair and responsible approaches to pay and reward.

It reviews progress against our People Strategy and our commitments to equality, diversity and inclusion. It also oversees matters relating to the appointment, development and performance of the Board and Chief Executive.

Audit & Risk Committee

The Audit & Risk Committee helps the Board maintain strong oversight of Southdown’s finances, governance and organisational risks.

It reviews areas including audit, financial and internal controls, risk management and data quality, providing assurance that appropriate systems and safeguards are in place. Its work also helps the Board ensure Southdown continues to meet the governance and financial standards expected by the Regulator of Social Housing.

C-suite

Our C-suite works alongside our Chief Executive and Board to shape and develop our business strategy.

Neil Blanchard

Chief Executive and Board member

Jo Raisey

Chief Experience and Transformation Officer

Michael Barford

Chief Finance Officer

Matt Gough

Chief Operating Officer

Join our team

We’re always looking for caring people to join our friendly, supportive team. Knowing that your work directly contributes to the wellbeing of others makes working for us a meaningful and rewarding career choice. Take a look at our career site for information on the opportunities available to join us.