Three new board members have been appointed at Shropshire Rural Housing Association, bringing a wealth of experience which bosses say will help drive the organisation forward.
James Fullford, Martin James and Paul Birch are the new faces on the board of the association, which provides more than 300 affordable homes across rural Shropshire.
Celia Bahrami, chair of the Shropshire Rural Housing Association board, said: “These appointments will strengthen the board’s range of skills and experience as the association continues its work to provide good quality, affordable homes and support local communities.
“Each brings valuable knowledge and experience which will help guide the association as we continue to look after our existing homes, support our tenants and consider opportunities to provide more affordable housing in rural communities.
“As a relatively small housing association, having a strong and experienced board is particularly important, and we look forward to working with all three of our new members.”
James Fullford, who works for Aspire Housing, has spent his career working in housing and communities and is particularly passionate about ensuring tenants have a voice in the services they receive.
He said: “Living in Shropshire, I really wanted the opportunity to give something back to the place I now call home.
“I have spent all my career working in housing and communities, and I’m passionate about ensuring customers have a real voice, strengthening communities and improving services and outcomes.
“Shropshire Rural Housing Association’s strong local focus really resonates with me and I’m proud to bring my experience to an organisation making a real difference to people across Shropshire.”
Martin James brings extensive experience in housing management, development and regeneration, having worked in the sector since the early 1990s. His background includes development and asset management at Housing Plus.
He said: “I have worked in housing since graduating in the early 90s and have a breadth of knowledge and experience in all the main housing management functions.
“I hope to use some of this experience to support the association to continue to thrive, make the right decisions and strengthen its ability to tackle future challenges.
“I have extensive experience in development and regeneration and hope I can assist the board with its growth plans.”
Paul Birch is an experienced HR and communications specialist who has held senior leadership roles in Shropshire, including within the social housing sector and at Telford College.
He said: “I’m pleased to join the board of Shropshire Rural Housing Association. Rural housing plays a vital role in keeping our communities strong, and I want to help ensure tenants continue to receive safe, well-managed homes.
“My background in senior HR leadership across Shropshire – in both a large social landlord and an FE college – has shown me how good governance, clear decision-making and a strong organisational culture directly improve services for people.
“I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to the board and supporting the organisation’s continued success.”
For more information about Shropshire Rural Housing Association, visit www.shropshirerural.co.uk.
