Peter Phillips
Chair
Peter is a qualified chartered accountant with extensive experience in the financial and commercial sectors. He worked in executive roles at a number of large international companies before commencing an independent career as a restructuring and turnaround specialist, leading on the recovery of poorly performing companies and charities. He is currently a non-executive director of Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust.
Passionate about the performing arts, Peter has been a board member at a number of organisations including the Welsh National Opera, Birmingham Opera Company and the Arts Council England.
“I believe that the provision of high-quality social housing is the key to improving the quality of life of many people in Staffordshire and Shropshire. Good, affordable housing results in excellent and harmonious neighbourhoods.”
Tony Pate
Board member
Tony's diverse career encompasses a wide range of operational and strategic responsibilities over a 34-year time span.
With more than 20 years' experience at executive level, Tony was the managing director of Arena Homes (part of the Arena Group) which has recently merged to form “Your Housing Group”.
Tony was an Executive Board Member of the Arena Homes Board and joined the SSHA board in 2013. He was appointed to the Homes Board in 2016.
“I fervently believe in the values of the social housing movement and think that the future holds many challenges for the sector."
Steve Jennings
Board member
Steve’s career in housing began over 40 years ago when he joined the sector straight from school.
Chief executive at Weaver Vale Housing between 2004 and 2017, Steve has over 20 years’ experience in providing leadership in both executive and non-executive roles. He is currently a board member at VIVO Care Choices.
“My passion for improving the quality of life of customers has been a fundamental driver throughout my career.”
Rory O'Byrne
Board member
Rory is a partner at Wace Morgan solicitors in Shrewsbury and is a Social Housing and Development specialist.
He focuses upon residential development and has over twelve years’ experience in delivering social housing, strategic land acquisition, stock transfers and regeneration projects for housing associations, local authorities and the private sector.
Rory joined the Severnside Board in 2010 and was appointed to the Homes Board in 2016.
Phil Ingle
Board member
Finance Director and Deputy Chief Executive, Housing Plus Group
Phil qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant with multi-national consulting engineers, WS Atkins. He went on to work for Somerset County Council before becoming Director of Financial Services at the newly-formed Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority.
He became Finance Director of South Staffordshire Housing Association in 2003. During his time with SSHA Phil has been very proud of its growth and excellent delivery of housing services to residents in and around South Staffordshire, in particular the development of Housing Plus Group.
Malcolm Price
Board member
An Executive Member of Shropshire Council, holding the Cabinet Portfolios for Planning and Housing, Malcolm also represents the Battlefield ward in North Shrewsbury, a position he has held for over 14 years.
As a former member of the Fire Service, Malcolm is particularly interested in the safety and well-being of residents.
He joined the Severnside Board in 2010 and was appointed to the Homes Board in 2016.
Malcolm told us “I want the new Housing Plus Group to provide excellent housing and care facilities to meet the needs of our communities in Shropshire and Staffordshire.
Being able to influence the outcome and direction of the new group and ensuring we are an exemplary landlord, that engages and listens to customers, is what excites me the most about my new role."
Catherine Dass
Board member
Catherine has worked in the housing sector for over 15 years and has extensive experience and skills in HR, business development and transformation, marketing communications and diversity and inclusion.
Currently Director of people and performance at Fortis Living, Catherine has a real passion for executive level coaching, holding a Level 7 qualification in executive coaching and is MBTI qualified.
“Housing is such a fundamental need and makes the most significant difference to quality of life, wellbeing and opportunities. I want to use my skills, personal strengths and experience within the housing sector to ensure that we deliver excellent services that meet our customers’ needs.”
Alyson Lanning
Customer advocate and board liaison
A former journalist, Alyson has a law degree and is a retired Director of the Hive Music & Media Centre in Shrewsbury. She is committed to community development and making the arts accessible to everyone.
Alyson joined the Severnside Board in 2010 and was appointed to the Homes Board in 2016.
Alyson told us “I am committed to supporting local people and local communities. I believe a compassionate, robust and equality-driven housing provider strikes at the heart of our communities and we should maintain a core belief to be that pillar; to provide good quality homes in desirable neighbourhoods, in addition to supporting those who are less able to afford, are vulnerable, or at risk. We should uphold and promote a diverse mix of tenure options as a responsible and responsive organisation to the need and expectation of our local tenants and residents.”
