Today we say goodbye to our Chief Executive, Paul Stephenson after 15 amazing years with CBH!
Paul has led the company to successfully overcome the many challenges and changes the housing sector and economy has faced over that period, while at the same time achieving many significant milestones. He has overseen the evolution of CBH into a supplier of high quality affordable housing, a person-centred and caring company that puts people first, which helps those who need it most, and which builds stronger and more resilient communities.
Passionate about making a difference, and keen to do more, Paul has also been a leading figure in CBH’s partnership with other community organisations to tackle the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) within Cheltenham’s communities. The first of its kind to be led by a housing provider the scheme is helping tenants and their families to identify and then work proactively with local agencies to put in place support plans to tackle the trauma they have experienced.
He leaves CBH in a fantastic position, with a clear and bright future and a passionate and committed workforce that will definitely miss him. We wish him a long and very happy retirement!
In his own words, Paul said:
In my time at CBH, I have been so fortunate in being surrounded by so many wonderful colleagues who constantly show their commitment and dedication to supporting colleagues, customers and communities – going the extra mile instinctively. Our “person centred” approach was the right one before the pandemic and certainly has been during and going forward. We cannot predict what the future will bring , nobody having been able to plan for the time since lock down and how the impact will continue to be felt. We do know that there will be increased trauma and vulnerability. More than ever, we need to support those people who are experiencing negative impacts and provide hope for the future and the potential to develop personal and community resilience.
My life at CBH has involved so many people and partners who have supported us and understand the importance of the role we carry out. Partnerships have been so important, especially with the Council, with a positively collaborative relationship, working together on behalf of Cheltenham, as seen in the recent incredible response to the pandemic. There have been too many other partners to mention but their support and input have been so powerful and welcomed.
The welcome word is one which is often used by colleagues starting at CBH, a very important word which captures the culture so well. Our Board have played an active role in steering the business to date and will do so as we review the business priorities for the next 3 years, taking into account the many impacts of the pandemic.
Our customers are what our service delivery is all about , listening to them, hearing their views and receiving their scrutiny and suggestions. Having recently achieved 90% overall satisfaction with CBH from our customers, we will continue to put customer service front and centre in all thinking and planning. I would like to thank those customers who have been involved in supporting, steering and scrutinising CBH, giving their time freely and showing great passion and commitment.
Be kind to each other and stay safe, and massive thanks to everyone I have worked with during that time for the wonderful experiences I will always carry with me.”
See below some of the great moments with Paul from over the years:
Paul has led the company to successfully overcome the many challenges and changes the housing sector and economy has faced over that period, while at the same time achieving many significant milestones. He has overseen the evolution of CBH into a supplier of high quality affordable housing, a person-centred and caring company that puts people first, which helps those who need it most, and which builds stronger and more resilient communities.
Passionate about making a difference, and keen to do more, Paul has also been a leading figure in CBH’s partnership with other community organisations to tackle the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) within Cheltenham’s communities. The first of its kind to be led by a housing provider the scheme is helping tenants and their families to identify and then work proactively with local agencies to put in place support plans to tackle the trauma they have experienced.
He leaves CBH in a fantastic position, with a clear and bright future and a passionate and committed workforce that will definitely miss him. We wish him a long and very happy retirement!
In his own words, Paul said:
“After 15 years, it feels the right time to step aside. It was such a difficult decision because, in all my 37 years in “community” housing, the last 15 with CBH have been the highlight. It has been my honour and privilege to be CEO of this fantastic company and I know that great things lie ahead for CBH.
I have so many incredible memories and a few challenges also spring to mind. Since announcing my retirement on 16 January, we have all experienced the incredible impact of the pandemic with many incredibly sad stories alongside those of inspiration. What does shine through is the culture of CBH, the incredible contributions of colleagues in supporting customers and communities, the wonderful partnership working and the resilience of people, individually and collectively. We have witnessed communities coming together to tackle adversity, show incredible compassion, kindness and humanity.In my time at CBH, I have been so fortunate in being surrounded by so many wonderful colleagues who constantly show their commitment and dedication to supporting colleagues, customers and communities – going the extra mile instinctively. Our “person centred” approach was the right one before the pandemic and certainly has been during and going forward. We cannot predict what the future will bring , nobody having been able to plan for the time since lock down and how the impact will continue to be felt. We do know that there will be increased trauma and vulnerability. More than ever, we need to support those people who are experiencing negative impacts and provide hope for the future and the potential to develop personal and community resilience.
My life at CBH has involved so many people and partners who have supported us and understand the importance of the role we carry out. Partnerships have been so important, especially with the Council, with a positively collaborative relationship, working together on behalf of Cheltenham, as seen in the recent incredible response to the pandemic. There have been too many other partners to mention but their support and input have been so powerful and welcomed.
The welcome word is one which is often used by colleagues starting at CBH, a very important word which captures the culture so well. Our Board have played an active role in steering the business to date and will do so as we review the business priorities for the next 3 years, taking into account the many impacts of the pandemic.
Our customers are what our service delivery is all about , listening to them, hearing their views and receiving their scrutiny and suggestions. Having recently achieved 90% overall satisfaction with CBH from our customers, we will continue to put customer service front and centre in all thinking and planning. I would like to thank those customers who have been involved in supporting, steering and scrutinising CBH, giving their time freely and showing great passion and commitment.
Be kind to each other and stay safe, and massive thanks to everyone I have worked with during that time for the wonderful experiences I will always carry with me.”
See below some of the great moments with Paul from over the years:
Contact the press office on communications@cheltenham.gov.uk | 0800 408 0000