OK, you need to find something

Steve joined the Board in 2025 and is an Executive Board Director of the Royal British Legion with oversight of data, technology and change & transformation and his previous career experience includes just over 30 years in the insurance and finance sectors.  As a non-Executive Director his particular focus is on IT, data, cyber security, AI and organisational transformation.

 “I joined the Board of Brighter Places because strong governance and independent challenge are essential to delivering safe, sustainable homes and better outcomes for customers. My role is to provide clear oversight, strategic focus, and bring expertise that supports the organisation to make effective, values‑led decisions.  Each Board member brings different professional strengths, with my area being in strategy, technology, digital and data, but we all share a commitment to ensuring Brighter Places remains transparent, accountable, and aligned to the highest standards of governance. By bringing our skills, experience and shared purposes together, we reinforce trust, demonstrate integrity, and help Brighter Places continue delivering services and homes that genuinely improve peoples’ lives.”

Declarations of Interest; The Royal British Legion, Exec Director of Data, Technology and Transformation.

Key skills: IT, data, risk management and organisational & strategic transformation.

Mark joined the Board in 2025 and is the Chief Executive at Selwood Housing. Mark has over 25 years commercial and leadership experience with PE backed, not for profit, FTSE 100 and 250 companies.

Declarations of Interest: Chief Executive at Selwood Housing.

Key skills: Sales & marketing, IT, telecommunications, financial services, manufacturing, engineering, property, housing and construction.

Selina joined the Brighter Places Board in February 2025 and chairs the Audit and Risk Committee.  She has led Magna Housing as Chief Executive since 2018 following a 20-year career in senior finance roles across multiple sectors. Previously, she served as Finance Director at Orbit Group and Knightstone, and as Senior Director in commercial real estate at BNP Paribas.

At Magna Housing, Selina has championed innovative and practical solutions to deliver affordable homes and build stronger communities across the South West, focusing on resident well-being, sustainability, inclusivity, and responsible, long-term growth.

Selina is also the co‑Chair of Homes for the South West, a partnership of the 12 largest housing associations in the region. The group is committed to addressing the growing shortage of affordable housing in the South West by advocating for increased development supported by greater regional investment.

Previously, Selina served as Chair of the National Housing Federation’s South West Leadership Forum for three years, where she played a pivotal role in shaping housing policy and strategic priorities across the region.

“For me, being a Board member is about stewardship—making sure Brighter Places is well-governed, financially resilient and always focused on what matters to customers. I bring practical experience in audit, risk and investment, offering constructive challenge and support so we make sound, transparent decisions, deliver value for money, and keep improving homes and services for the communities we serve.”

Declarations of interest: Chief Executive of Magna Housing; co-Chair of Homes for the South West.

Key skills: Innovation, finance, community well-being.

Hi, my name is Karen, and I live in a flat in Cotham.

I have used Homeswapper to move a couple of times. From a council property in Somerset to United Communities, Solon and now Brighter Places in Bristol. This has given me a depth of knowledge of how the management of social housing differs.

I’ve been employed in the Education Sector for over 20 years. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting, reading and walking. I love the outdoors and try to get out as much as I can.

Working on the tenant panel has helped lessen some of the frustration I have acquired over renting from Brighter Places. Many issues need to be addressed and I’m happy to bring these to the panel meetings on your behalf. We are listening!

Hello! I’m Maxine, and I live in Clifton, Bristol.

I’m a hands-on creative with a love for crafts, sewing, and knitting. I often turn my creations into donations for local charity shops, including Peter’s Hospice, because giving back to the community means a lot to me. When I’m not crafting, you can usually find me looking after my grandkids. At home, I’m kept company by my three beloved cats. I’m also a huge fan of live music, though I don’t get to gigs as much as I’d like to these days. Another passion of mine is stargazing — I’m a proud member of the Bristol Astronomical Society.

I believe in having a say in what goes on in my community and being a voice for the tenants of Brighter Places. It’s important to me that we all share our concerns and ideas—it’s good for the whole community.

Recently, I had the opportunity to be involved with the Repairs Procurement Project, working to ensure that we partner with good, reliable workmen who provide high-quality service. Improving communication and addressing issues like poor service standards are priorities for me, as I want every tenant to feel heard and well-supported.

Hello, I’m Cliona and live in Bishopstown, North Bristol.

I am a mother of three and a visual Artist. I am also a trustee of a local charity supporting residents of North Bristol with debt and benefits legal advice and volunteer at another local charity supporting women in difficulty. I feel passionate about supporting local communities and working to advocate not only for myself but others to have agency within the organisations we are involved with.

I joined the panel because I see it as a great opportunity to get involved and hopefully advocate for the residents on a variety of issues that challenge us. I also want to acknowledge what works well for us and help ensure positive development.

I am Tam and I live in Clifton.

I’ve had a long-term illness for many years, with much of that time housebound. Before that, I worked with teenagers with learning difficulties in residential care and education. I’m really into writing and studied literature and creative writing. I am also qualified as a counsellor.

During my illness, my interests expanded into sociology, victim-blaming and non-violent resistance. I’m also curious about the links between chronic illness, trauma and addiction, and what people need from society to recover.

I wanted to give something back as Brighter Places has given me the safe place I needed to begin getting better. I’m also interested in systems/how things work, and in helping with improvements. My interest is in solving things at a structural level rather than a superficial one.

Jen joined Brighter Places as Customer Director in 2024. She has a Masters in Housing and Regeneration and is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing. Jen has led customer-focused services in regulated sectors across housing and infrastructure, including nuclear and construction.

During her career, Jen has been a Non-Executive Director for three housing associations. She has also been a member of  Board sub committees including Audit and Risk Committee, Customer Experience Committee and the Homes and Communities Committee.

Responsibility: Jen leads the Customer Services Directorate and oversees Customer Services, Feedback and Complaints, Resident Engagement, Lettings, Income Management, Tenancy and Estate Management, Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), Tenancy Sustainment and Specialist & Supported Housing.  Jen currently oversees the Homes directorate including the Property Compliance and Inspections, Assets and Planned Programmes and Responsive Maintenance (Repairs & Voids and Damp & Mould) teams. Jen has overall responsibility for compliance with the Ombudsman Complaint Handling code and working with our Member Responsible for Complaints (MRC). She is also responsible for Brighter Places’ compliance with the Neighbourhood and Community Standard, Tenancy Standard and Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard.

Jen leads the delivery of the Great Customer Experience  supporting strategy to make it easy for everyone, to put customers at the centre of what we do and to have a positive impact on neighbourhoods.

She is also the Executive Director lead for the Customer Experience Committee.

Hi, I’m Sarah and I have been a Brighter Places tenant for just over 20 years. As a member of the Engagement Panel, I’m keen to ensure that we can work together to benefit all tenants and encourage everyone to get involved. Getting involved means that you can continue to support tenants, influence policy and bring meaningful changes to how services are delivered in our homes.

I am Lucy and I live in Clifton.

I have a keen interest in social justice, and my work as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor informs my passion for supporting physical/ mental health and the benefits of social inclusion.

I have experience in engagement work and a strong belief in social housing being a safe place for people to be able to grow and thrive.

I was born in Bristol and never left! I am the mum of two adult sons, no grandchildren yet but one lovely cat.

I am the Finance manager for a small local company, and I need to have multiple skills and knowledge i.e. we all have too muck in when needed.

In recent years I have found the love of reading actual books again and I am a member of a small book club, which gives me a chance to dissect our books and enjoy a good social evening.

I have lived in social housing all my life and have been a Solon HA and then Brighter Places tenant since 1988.  I previously regularly attended Solon HA resident panels and helped with reviewing their policies and assisting the appointment of new maintenance contractors.

I have been a member of the engagement panel for over a year, it’s been really great to work with other panel members and Brighter Places staff on various policies.

I believe that residents should have a voice in shaping how their homes and tenancies are handled. Working in partnership with the landlords can help to ensure that tenants have a home they are happy and proud of and have a stake in.

Gillian joined the Board in 2022 and is a qualified housing professional having worked in social housing for over 35 years, from London Borough of Barnet, to Bath City Council and Bristol City Council.  Gillian’s last role was head of planned maintenance leading on asset strategies for compliance, property and estate improvements and carbon retrofit projects.

She brings extensive experience in working closely with residents and understands the importance of quality homes, good neighbourhoods, and being a responsible landlord.

“Now retired, I remain passionate about social housing. Through my Board roles, I continue to ensure residents are heard, supported, and have a safe, warm, and decent place to call home, that’s one of the reasons I was happy to take on the role of Member Responsible for Complaints.”

Declarations of Interest: Independent Committee Member for Property Committee for MTVH (London based HA); Non-Executive Director for GreenSquareAccord Housing Association.

Key skills: Organisational change for better repairs services and planned maintenance.

Ben joined the Board in 2022 and is the Development Director (South) for The Guinness Partnerships, an organisation that shares his passion for creating great places to live, work and play.  Ben has broad house building experience including managing planning, technical and commercial teams for several leading housebuilders and property companies in the South West over the last two and a half decades.

“Brighter Places is a community‑focused housing association that is deeply rooted in the neighbourhoods it serves and is genuinely committed to delivering excellent outcomes for its customers. As a proud Bristolian housing professional, I am strongly aligned with Brighter Places’ mission and its dedication to supporting the city and its residents. My experience in delivering new homes and my time at The Guinness Partnership enable me to bring strong commercial insight and robust oversight, while also offering a customer‑centred perspective informed by both my housing association and housebuilding background.”

Declarations of Interest: Development Director (South) – The Guinness Partnership; NED at Westworks Procurement platform – Procurement Solutions for Public Sector.

Key skills: Building experience including development, management and planning.