Welcome

 

An introduction from our Vice Chair…

Thank you for your interest in joining our Board. As the incoming Chair, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of Meridian Home Start and make a significant impact on the lives of the families we serve.

We are a Community Benefit Society founded by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to provide affordable rental housing for working families typically offering rent at around 65% of market levels. We operate independently and have developed around 200 homes since we were established in 2016 and also own and manage 29 street properties located throughout Greenwich. We are an ambitious organisation and with the full support of the Royal Borough of Greenwich we aim to increase our rate of development to around 500 homes within the next five years to meet the ever-increasing demand for affordable rent.

We’re at a pivotal point in the organisation’s journey having been successfully led and developed under the time expired Chair, Richard Reynolds.  We are seeking an experienced and dynamic new Chair who will relish the challenges and opportunities we face.

The incoming Chair will have a real opportunity to re-shape the organisation, leading on the recruitment of a Chief Executive and the Board as many of the board members come to the end of their term in 2026. We are also actively considering, with the Council’s express support, whether to apply for registered provider status as a not-for-profit housing association with the regulator of social housing. The decision we take will inform the development of our new five-year business plan. We hope you can see it’s a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact and help shape the future of our organisation.

An experienced Chair, you will bring a blend of expertise, commitment and drive. Your strategic experience in housing development, particularly affordable homes would be helpful, and an understanding of the regulatory and operational context of social housing or similar sectors invaluable. You will have a track record of operating successfully in a political environment, demonstrating an ability to negotiate and build positive relationships and partnerships to deliver sustainable growth, aligning with Royal Borough of Greenwich’s vision for communities and place-making. Your governance and board leadership experience will be crucial as we renew our organisation and build a new board and executive team.

If you are passionate about making a difference, eager to contribute your skills, and ready to help us shape the future of our organisation, to support families and their communities, we would be delighted to hear from you. This is a chance to be part of a team that values openness, ambition, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Having read the information on this microsite, should you wish to have a confidential discussion, please contact our appointed advisor Sioned Hughes from Altair on 07887 791381 or email sioned.hughes@altairltd.co.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Tony Evans
Vice Chair