Direction of Travel

As mentioned previously MHS is a Community Benefit Society, founded by the Royal Borough of Greenwich (Council).  We work in close collaboration with the Council ensuring that the Royal Borough’s objectives of increasing the supply of affordable housing in the borough is achieved.

MHS is nearing the end of a strategic governance review, which has been undertaken in close collaboration with the Council.

Both MHS and the Council have agreed that the best way to continue to develop their overall partnership, and for MHS to continue to be a preferred development partner of the Council, would be via a closer parent-subsidiary relationship. Consequently, the board of MHS is now taking advice on how to effect this change in its ownership and governance structure.

Similarly, the Council is also planning to progress this through its own governance and decision-making processes. Once implemented however, the board of MHS will still govern independently. The board has also resolved, with the Council’s support, to secure registered provider status as a not-for-profit housing association with the regulator of social housing.

It is anticipated that by the time the new Chair is appointed, MHS will have adopted a revised set of rules and will have become a subsidiary of the Council. Candidates will be informed of progress as the recruitment campaign progresses.

The current Board is made up of the following:

  • Tony Evans
    Vice Chair & Company Secretary

    Tony, former Assistant Chief Executive of Royal Greenwich and Meridian Home Start board member, retired in 2013. He has taught English in India and Thailand, fundraises, and is a Southwark Pensioners Centre trustee. An Oxford graduate and RSA Fellow, he co-edits books on education, serves as Secretary for two associations, and supports Charlton Athletic FC.

  • George Cronin
    Interim Chief Executive Officer

    A former Managing Director with 25 years’ experience with two national housebuilding companies, George has a background in finance and accounting, gained predominantly within the construction industry. Since retiring, George has served as a Non-Executive Director at Aldwyck Housing and Lea Valley Developments. Prior to joining Meridian Home Start, George was a member of the Catalyst Housing development committee.

  • Emma Peters
    Director

    Emma has 30+ years’ experience across local authorities, registered providers, and the private sector, specialising in regeneration, housing delivery, and finance. Formerly a Director at Inner Circle Consulting and consultant at Regenfirst, she has worked with several London boroughs and housing associations. Holding an MPhil from UCL Bartlett, she is currently a Non-Executive Director at Rent Plus Homes and Meridian Home Start.

  • Bernadette Marjoram
    Director

    Bernadette has 38 years’ local authority experience, including Chief Executive and Director roles in London councils. Skilled in regeneration, housing, planning, and change management, she founded her consultancy in 2002 and was Interim Director of Regeneration at Metropolitan Housing Trust. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management, she is on Inside Housing’s Editorial Panel and active in urban regeneration.