Andy joined our Board so he could help shape homes and communities that change lives for the better – and our values really aligned with his. He’s a chartered surveyor who’s led major programmes across construction, maintenance, asset management and development.

He has also served as Chair of Honeycomb Group in Staffordshire and as a non-executive at MSV in Manchester.

He joined our Board in January and also sits on our New Homes Board.

What made you want to get involved with the Board?

I moved into housing around 2000 and never looked back. When a colleague tipped me off about Citizen, the values, especially we are Citizens, really landed. The candidate pack included customer videos; you could see genuine listening and follow-through from the organisation. And “Home is our foundation for life” chimed with what I’d seen as a long-standing primary school chair of governors: if a child grows up in a cold, poor-quality over-crowded home, it affects their health, learning and life chances. Good quality housing and support changes that trajectory.

What does your role on the Board involve?

On the main Board we set strategy, oversee risk, finance and governance. On the New Homes Board, we focus on growth and housing mix: affordable rent, shared ownership and Signature New Homes, using market sales to subsidise more affordable homes. It’s the practical engine room of how we build more of the right homes, in the right places.

What do you find rewarding about the role?

Connecting decisions to people. The colleague awards we see every month, the customer stories during a visit, they’re a reminder that a board report isn’t just a paper; it’s a warmer home, a quicker repair, a safer neighbourhood. That’s when you think: this is why we’re here.

And the challenges?

Sector-wide headwinds: a tougher economic climate for customers, changing regulation and building-safety requirements. There’s always a balance between investing in existing homes, building new ones and staying financially strong. Sometimes the right decision is the brave one, like pushing ahead with regeneration even when it’s not the easiest financial path, because the long-term impact is worth it.

How do you bring the customer voice into decisions?

By listening and letting it stick. Feedback from the Customer Scrutiny Panel and Customer Services Committee on things like new homes, shared ownership and lettings stays front-of-mind when we’re discussing any paper. We pair that with satisfaction data and performance trends and ask: what outcome does this create for customers?

What does “Home is our foundation for life” mean to you?

It underpins everything: from children starting school warm and well, to older residents feeling safe, secure and connected. Our job is to put the house right around the person, so the future opens up for them.

Tell us a bit about you outside of work.

I’m happiest when I’m building things. I’ve built a large house extension and some outbuildings. I’m a lapsed private pilot with hopes of returning to the skies one day. Most of my spare time now is family time.

Finally, what would you say to someone thinking about joining a Board or committee?

Don’t rule yourself out. We’re all just people who care and bring different experiences. Be open-minded, listen, apply common sense and respect. Your lived experience is invaluable.