New Chair at the helm of Cheltenham Borough Homes 

Martin Surl has been appointed Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Board at Cheltenham Borough Council’s arm’s-length management organisation, Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH). He takes up his position at CBH’s AGM in October, when outgoing chair, Jason Langley, steps down after reaching the maximum term for a Chair to serve.

Martin will take over the baton from Jason Langley, who leaves a legacy of positive and cultural change at CBH.

Martin Surl said: "Jason has been instrumental in developing a people focused CBH. The past few years have been incredibly complex and Jason has helped steer a strong and steady course through the pandemic. He will step away leaving an organisation that is agile and set on the right path for the future."

Martin was born and raised in Gloucestershire and has a long-held passion for the local area. He was a serving police officer for 30 years – mostly within the county – and was Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner from 2012 to 2021, where he prioritised making local communities safer. He has a real insight into the challenges facing local communities.

 Councillor Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for housing said:  "We are delighted to share the news that Martin will be joining the board as non-executive director and chair.  Jason has achieved an incredible amount during his time as chair and Martin, with his experience and commitment to local people and their communities, will continue to ensure that CBH offers the highest quality of service to its tenants, as well as offering a fresh perspective to the board."

CBH’s Chief Executive Officer, Steve Slater, added: "We’re thrilled Martin will be joining the CBH family. Jason has done a wonderful job of guiding us through an unimaginable set of circumstances, and he leaves Martin with a strong and united team, ready to continue to forge ahead.

“Martin’s exceptional understanding of our communities and his passion for helping the people and families that live within them made me confident he will help us take advantage of all the opportunities that lie ahead and I’m really looking forward to working with him."​​​​​​​

CBH is responsible for the management and maintenance of Cheltenham Borough Council’s housing stock, as well as its housing and homeless service. The CBH Board is made up of tenants, leaseholders, independent members, and local councillors. Together they provide the insight, leadership, and challenge that enables CBH to be one of the leading housing providers in the sector.