Housing association resignations

A county housing association has announced four of its high-ranking managers have stepped down.

Chief executive Peter Brown has retired from the association which was formed by the merging of Herefordshire Housing with Shropshire Housing Group.

Connexus say they are also making other changes to management arrangements following resignations from Jake Berriman, Paul Sutton and Matthew Hill.

When asked why these members had resigned a spokesperson said ‘Connexus does not share the reasons as they are confidential to the individuals’.

Ruth Cooke, Chair of Connexus Board said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jake, Paul and Matthew for all of their hard work and contributions to the business”.

The housing group announced that Duncan Forbes will be joining them as the interim chief executive, following Mr Brown’s retirement.

Mr Brown began his housing career in 1974 as an architectural assistant then as a night shelter worker in Aberdeen before getting his first job in a housing association.

Mr Brown said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute in housing but after working for 11 housing associations, 6 as CEO, it’s time to start a new adventure. Connexus is a great organisation with great people”.

His interim replacement Mr Forbes started out as a legal aid lawyer working in London law centres. He then set up his own legal practice in Wales.

He was the lead consultant on the setting up of Bron Afon Community Housing and then went on to become their first CEO and spent over 9 years there.

Mr Forbes said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Connexus and I’m looking forward to working with the colleagues to take the organisation forward”.

A Connexus spokesperson added: “We are a strong organisation and these management changes do not impact on the services provided to customers as interim arrangements are in place and permanent appointments will be looked at shortly.”