CDHT makes new board appointments

Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) has appointed two board members Jane Stephens and Michelle Hallmark.

Jane Stephens has been co-opted to the board for the past six months and now joins as an independent director and Michelle Hallmark is newly co-opted to the board, in addition to her role as regional communications manager at The Bridge Group in Greater Manchester.

CDHT has ten board directors; four independent board directors, three board directors nominated by Cheshire West and Chester Council and three tenant board directors. Jane Stephens and Michelle Hallmark have been appointed for a year following the resignation of Paul Smith after five years on the trust board.

Michelle Hallmark, 29, is one of the youngest board members of any housing association in the UK. She has been North West based for the majority of her life, born in Macclesfield, living in Altrincham, studying in Preston and with family in Chester.

She said:“I’m delighted to be working with CDHT. It is a well-regarded organisation which remains true to its roots, isn't afraid to take a calculated risk and believes that resident involvement shouldn't be tokenistic. I look forward to working more closely with everyone and putting my housing and communications knowledge to use.”

Jane Stephens has extensive director level finance and commercial experience in a range of organisations. She has lived in the Chester area for the last 20 years and is passionate about the benefit that CDHT adds to the local community.

She added: “I’m so pleased to be part of the team here. The CDHT team has a great track record. In these challenging times, we need enthusiasm and commitment combined with professionalism and an ability to ‘think creatively’. I look forward to making an active contribution and further extending the excellent range of skills already available through the Board and staff.”

Chair of the board, Cllr, Rob Thompson said:
“The Housing Trust has developed a resilient and robust platform on which the Board can build for future growth. We need to grow as an organisation, create more social housing and regenerate communities. This is an exciting time for the Trust and we have the opportunity to build stronger communities. We have to continue to develop partnerships with our stakeholders and take even further the ways in which we work alongside residents in the processes of the Trust. As a result, we are a stronger organisation. We welcome Jane and Michelle and look forward to working closely with them.”