Member Article

Paul is welcomed on Board

The newest member of the Railway Housing Association board is hoping his role will make a real difference to people’s lives.

Paul Stephens has joined the board having previously worked as Director of Housing and Community at Cestria Housing in Chester le Street and having been a board member at Darlington Housing Association and North Star Housing Group.

He said: “It is an exciting time to join the Association with preparations for next year’s 100th anniversary underway and the big, new development of 73 houses in Haughton Road, Darlington being completed.

“As a board member I want to ensure we provide the best service to our tenants, help provide the best, new houses and enhance people’s job prospects.

“It’s all about working to make residents’ lives better.”

Paul, who lives in Trimdon Grange, near Darlington, was attracted to the role on the board because of his local connections, and because of the chance it gives him to make a real difference to people.

He said: “When you work with a smaller organisation you can see the impact that your decisions in the board room have on real people. In some larger places you can feel removed and it can take a long time for decisions to be implemented but here I can see the result of decisions on the ground relatively quickly and see the benefits people enjoy.

“The Association is also a very friendly place and everyone knows one another which gives it a lovely family feel.”

Outside work, Paul, 59, enjoys spending time with his family and is looking forward to the birth of his second grandchild in October. He is also a big Middlesbrough FC fan.

Anne Rowlands, Chief Executive of Railway Housing Association, said: “Paul has considerable experience in the social housing sector so he is an excellent addition to the Railway Housing Association board.

“He joins us during a period of great activity for the Association as we near completion on one of the biggest housing schemes in our recent history and prepare to mark our centenary in 2019.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Neil Shaefer .