I have a long record in business, local government and the voluntary sector, all of which have led to me taking a close interest in the field of housing.

I was born and brought up in North Yorkshire and came to Cheltenham 46 years ago after university to work for a marketing company. For more than 20 years I ran my own marketing business in Cheltenham.

I served as a Borough Councillor for 19 years and as a County Councillor for 20 years. As a councillor, I represented 2 wards with a high concentration of social housing (St Paul’s and St Peter’s) and became familiar with many of the issues facing tenants, leaseholders and people in housing need, whilst gaining a strong knowledge of housing finance.I served as a governor of several Cheltenham schools and currently chair the Cheltenham Housing and Support Forum, which brings together representatives of statutory and voluntary organisations working to help people with housing problems and related issues.

On the CBH board, I serve on the Audit and Risk Committee and the New Supply Committee. I see the work of CBH as being not just about bricks and mortar, important though this is, and more about improving the lives and life chances of our tenants and leaseholders in a broader sense, including helping people in housing need by delivering new social housing.

I recently retired after 38 years in local government. I was a town planner by profession but have had responsibility for a wide range of district council services in roles within 5 different local authorities. I have lived in Cirencester with my husband for the last 6 years after spending the previous 20 years living in East Anglia and the North-East of Scotland.I am motivated by making a positive difference in peoples’ lives and I am delighted to be on the Board of CBH.

CoI originally studied medical sciences at the University of Bristol and then worked as a Retail Manager and Retail Project Manager for 12 years. Most recently I have been training to be an adult education tutor and have enjoyed working with parties of students with learning difficulties from Gloucester College. I am a very active member of the local community and have been Chair of the Monkscroft Community Action Group since 2019, which has been working in partnership with CBH to transform Monkscroft, and was recognised nationally at the TPAS Awards. I also regularly campaign for the rights of people with disabilities. In my free time I’m an artist and aspiring novelist.ntent

Richard was elected as a councillor in May 2021 representing St Mark’s ward, an area of Cheltenham with many CBH managed properties. He is local to Cheltenham and has worked in IT, finance and engineering. His engineering background includes a specialism in technical writing which encompasses a ready skill for questioning, collating, and acquiring knowledge quickly. Richard is one of the Council’s appointed Board members helping to continue the strong relationship between Cheltenham Borough Council and CBH.

I am originally from the Cheltenham area and returned a few years ago following spells living and working in a few different places including in mainland Europe, Asia and Africa. I am an IT consultant and help clients with digital transformation programmes.I look forward to working with the CBH team and adding value to the work they do to support communities across Cheltenham.