At ForHousing, we are governed by three main entities.
That’s the ForHousing Executive Management Team, the ForHousing Board and ForHousing Committees.
Meet the ForHousing Executive Management Team
The Executive Management Team is responsible for the day-to-day running of ForHousing. They make sure that our promises to tenants are being delivered and that the outcomes expected are being met.
Martyn Hague
Executive Director of Customer
Name
Martyn Hague
Occupation
Executive Director of Customer
Who inspires you?
People who are driven by making a difference
What’s your biggest fear?
Not being able to provide a roof over my family’s heads
What makes you proud to be a part of ForHousing?
The collective impact we have on a daily basis improving our social housing tenants lives
What do you like doing in your spare time?
Following Manchester City, general exercising with a preference for cycling and running. Socialising with friends and family
What is a career highlight for you?
Developing people and seeing their careers blossom
Who would play you in a movie?
Connor McIntyre
Skills and experience
With over 25 years of housing experience in a variety of roles, I am experienced in delivering customer focused, equitable services to tenants, making sure we are listening to, and learning from, them and that they are at the heart of all we do.
I am responsible for delivering on the priorities set out in the Customer Strategy and I also have overall responsibility for making sure we’re compliant with the consumer standards. I am looking forward to bringing to life projects that will improve the customer experience over the next five years.
Contact:
martyn.hague@forhousing.co.uk
Nigel Sedman
Executive Director of Homes
Name
Nigel Sedman
Occupation
Executive Director of Homes
Who inspires you?
The hard work, resilience and dedication of ForHousing staff, especially when the going gets tough
What’s your biggest fear?
Not tackling climate change now for the benefit of future generations
What makes you most proud to be a part of ForHousing?
Being able to provide safe, well maintained homes and make a real and positive impact on our social housing tenants
What do you like doing in your spare time or to relax?
Being outside in the fresh air doing something involving exercise
What is a career highlight for you?
Somehow many years ago finding myself in social housing and loving it
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Harry Hill…Moby… (there’s a theme here)
Skills and experience
I have over 30 years’ experience working in social housing regeneration, managing teams to deliver a range of asset management services including repairs and maintenance, compliance, specialist services and major improvement programmes. I have also led on a number of major procurement exercises. As a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, I have also worked both for contractors and in private practice. I am responsible for delivering ForHousing’s Homes Strategy and delivering on the priorities set out in this. I also sit on the Board of Wythenshawe Housing Group and I’m Chair of the Development Committee.
Contact:
nigel.sedman@forhousing.co.uk
Mark Sullivan
Executive Director of ICT
Name
Mark Sullivan
Occupation
Executive Director of ICT
Who inspires you?
My parents. They always have and always will
What’s your biggest fear?
Being trapped in a tight closed space
What makes you proud to be a part of ForHousing?
The difference we all make by putting tenants at the heart of all we do
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to travel
Career highlight for you?
Being part of a fantastic team working here
Who would play you in a movie?
I was stuck on this question, so I asked my partner, without hesitation he said ‘Danny DeVito’ – thanks! I’d probably say Martin Freeman or Simon Pegg
Skills and experience
With extensive experience of managing a fast-paced and changing ICT landscape, I am skilled in delivering strategic organisational change through technology and data solutions.
I’ve worked in a range of roles both in the UK and abroad and have over 20 years experience within the housing sector with 5 operating at executive and Board level.
Through the delivery of our Resources Strategy, my responsibility is to explore new and maximise existing technology solutions to increase productivity, drive efficiency, improve our data quality, and protect our systems and data.
Contact:
mark.sullivan@forhousing.co.uk
Gemma Burton-Connolly
Executive Director of Governance and Assurance
Name
Gemma Burton-Connolly
Job Role
Executive Director of Governance and Assurance
Who inspires you?
Anyone with the courage to stand up for what they believe in and people that are making a difference to individuals, their communities or wider society, whether that’s a housing officer, championing the voice of their residents or Malala Yousafzai; leading the way for female empowerment.
What’s your biggest fear?
Being stagnant and not continuing to learn and also owls – I have an irrational fear of those spinning heads and flapping wings!
What makes you most proud to be a part of ForHousing?
I am most proud to be part of ForHousing as it has residents at the heart of its decision making and the organisation truly believes in the delivery of safe, sustainable, affordable and well maintained homes. This is aligned to the founding principles of the housing sector and getting the basics right first time.
The culture is also a demonstration that everyone is in it together as one team.
What do you like doing in your spare time or to relax?
I enjoy reading, spending time with my son, friends and family, baking and walking my dog, Hetty.
What is a career highlight for you?
Playing a role in the development of others, whether that be the people I mentor or members of my directorate. I absolutely love supporting people in realising their potential and seeing them develop in their career aspirations.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Oh this is a tough one but I’ll go for Melissa McCarthy as I think a sense of humour is so very important!
Skills and experience:
Prior to joining the housing sector I worked in the legal world. I have gained experience over the years that I have been able to transfer to the housing sector. I also have experience in working in the human rights arena and supporting those that are suffering injustice. I have been in the housing sector for 12 years and can’t imagine finding another sector that I love so much. I have been in senior leadership positions for a number of years and have experience in operating within complex legal structures, working within charities, community benefit societies, private companies and PLCs. I have experience in working in regulated environments. My approach to leadership is based upon encouragement and support and helping people realise their true potential and demonstrating empathy and passion in all of my interactions. I enjoy bringing people together and have co-founded networking and learning opportunities and events for board and committee members as well as senior independent directors. I am a complete governance geek and enjoy speaking at various conferences and events. My approach to governance is that it needs to be a perfect blend of both people and processes.
Contact:
gemma.burton-connolly@forhousing.co.uk
Mark Bradshaw
Executive Director of Finance
Name
Mark Bradshaw
Occupation
Executive Director of Finance
Who inspires you?
My children are my inspiration
What’s your biggest fear?
Everybody knowing what my biggest fear is ….
What makes you proud to be a part of ForHousing?
ForHousing’s vision to positively impact the lives of our social housing tenants
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Watching Liverpool FC and spending quality time with friends and family
Career highlight for you?
Achieving the position I have in my professional career following a not too successful school life (I had a great time at school, but didn’t achieve the qualifications that I should have), and working with inspirational colleagues at ForHousing
Who would play you in a movie?
Ben Stiller
Contact:
mark.bradshaw@forhousing.co.uk
Jenny Neville
Interim Deputy Chief Executive
Name
Jenny Neville
Occupation
Interim Deputy Chief Executive
Who inspires you?
Volunteers – those that give their time to help others. I am a wreck when I watch Children in Need and Red Nose Day!
What’s your biggest fear?
The loss of family and friends
What makes you proud to be a part of ForHousing?
That our shared vision is to positively impact the lives of our social housing tenants, I am immensely proud of the amazing work of my colleagues and the difference they make in communities.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
Spending time with my two young children, James and Eleanor, and our dog, Bryn. Sugar, I didn’t mention my husband, so I best include him too!
I also enjoy running – the space, fresh air and physical challenge provides me with so much perspective. I absolutely love it and often run with friends.
Career highlight for you?
Developing people who smash their career goals. My biggest success is the success of others.
Who would play you in a movie?
Not sure there are many 5ft actresses with a Bolton accent! Jenna Coleman? Although I love Sheridan Smith so she would be brill!
Skills and experience
With over 20 years’ management experience, including 15 years as an executive officer, I am experienced in commercial and performance management, leading and developing people and governance and risk.
I strive to encourage a positive, inclusive and highly motivating culture where people are empowered to do their best for our tenants.
I’ve worked in the social housing sector for seven years, with a strong understanding of the challenges faced by housing organisations and the approaches required to bring about successful change.
Contact:
jenny.neville@forhousing.co.uk
Mike Parkin
Chief Executive Officer
Name
Mike Parkin
Occupation
Chief Executive Officer
Who inspires you?
My children
What’s your biggest fear?
Not succeeding
What makes you proud to be a part of ForHousing?
Being part of a work family, whose aim is to positively impact the lives our social housing tenants.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
Keeping fit and watching Liverpool Football Club
Career highlight for you?
Many highlights but being appointed to lead this organisation was one.
Who would play you in a movie?
Least likely Daniel Craig, most likely Rowan Atkinson
Skills and experience
With over 20 years’ experience operating at executive and board level and nine years in housing, I’m proud to steer this organisation to deliver on its strategic outcomes set out in our ForHousing Strategy (2023-2028). My focus is on continuing to make improvements to positively drive tenant satisfaction, delivering safe homes and excellent, equitable services for tenants, and importantly, for ForHousing to be a great place to work for colleagues. I also sit on the Board at the Sovini Group.
Contact:
mike.parkin@forhousing.co.uk
Meet the ForHousing Board
The Board leads ForHousing, sets the ForHousing Strategy and brings strong leadership, ideas and insight as well as being the ultimate decision makers. Board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to support ForHousing to deliver our vision.
The Board is accountable for the success of the organisation and is responsible for several key areas, making sure we are governed properly and that we are always compliant. The Board help us to manage risks for ForHousing so that we can focus on providing safe, well maintained homes where tenants feel safe and secure. They are accountable to our stakeholders and shareholders for our financial strength and performance.
Our Board members bring lots of experience from other sectors, they share their knowledge and innovation meaning we can always keep learning and improving.
We are committed to openness and transparency in all that we do, if you would like to read our Regulatory Judgement you can read the full report full report. If you would like to see a copy of our register of interests, please email governance@forhousing.co.uk and a member of the team will reply to you with the document within 5 working days.
Click ‘Get to know me’ below to find out which committees each Board Member is on.
Paul Kennedy
Chair of the Board
Name
Paul Kennedy
Occupation
Non-Executive Chair
Committee
People & Culture
Favourite place
On a golf course in Spain
Obsessed with
Organisational culture
Prefers to avoid
Dealing with insincere people
Admires
Anyone who makes the world a better place
Skilled in
Growing businesses
Donna Cezair
Deputy Chair of the Board / Chair – People & Culture Committee
Name
Donna Cezair
Occupation
Chief Executive – Social housing
Committee
People & Culture
Dream holiday destination
On a beach!
Prefers to avoid
Hot chillis
Admires
Michelle Obama
Strengths
Strong governance that provides clear strategic direction and leadership for the organisation.
Steve Bentley
Board Member
Name
Steve Bentley
Occupation
Senior Independent Director
Favourite place
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Obsessed with
Quality time with family and friends
Prefers to avoid
People who are not prepared to listen to other perspectives
Admires
Those prepared to go above and beyond
Skilled in
Life! And treasury management
Deborah McLaughin
Board Member / Chair – Homes Committee
Name
Deborah McLaughin
Occupation
Commissioner and Non-Executive
Committee
Homes
Favourite place
A breezy beach, walking by the sea
Obsessed with
Balancing work, family and gardening
Prefers to avoid
Negativity
Admires
Bravery
Strengths
Driving improvement for better outcomes
Graeme Foster
Board Member / Chair – Customer Committee
Name
Graeme Foster
Occupation
CEO of Alpha
Committee
Audit & Risk, Customer
Favourite place
Liverpool, where I was brought up and still feels like home
Obsessed with
Collecting vinyl records
Prefers to avoid
Liverpool supporters
Admires
Optimism
Skilled in
Governance
Jim Barclay
Board Member / Chair – Audit & Risk Committee
Name
Jim Barclay
Occupation
A mixture of NED, mentoring work, and consultancy
Committee
Audit & Risk
Favourite place
Trough of Bowland
Obsessed with
My Grandson
Prefers to avoid
People who are charlatans
Admires
Anyone overcomes adversity
Skilled in
Getting on with people
Mark Fletcher
Board Member
Name
Mark Fletcher
Occupation
CEO of The Manchester Pride Charity
Committee
People & Culture, Homes.
Favourite place
Home
Obsessed with
Design
Prefers to avoid
Dishonesty
Admires
Passion
Skilled in
Leadership
Paul Butterworth
Board Member
Name
Paul Butterworth
Occupation
Director of Assets
Committee
Audit & Risk, Homes
Favourite place
By the sea
Obsessed with
Stripes in my lawn and getting things right for people
Prefers to avoid
Clutter or being late
Admires
Honesty and integrity
Skilled in
Finding solutions to problems
Donna O’Neill
Board Member / Customer Committee / Audit & Risk Committee
Name
Donna O’Neill
Occupation
Data Risk and Governance Manager
Committee
Customer, Audit & Risk
Obsessed with
I love to travel, I like a nice relaxing sun holiday but equally like to visit places where I can experience different cultures
I couldn’t live without
Good friends
Prefers to avoid
Negativity
Admires
anyone who is passionate about helping others and strives to make a difference
Strengths
empathy, good listener and pragmatic
Bill Weightman
Board Member / Customer Committee
Name
Bill Weightman
Occupation
I am a Carer for two of my grandchildren, also my lady wife. I am a semi retired Management Consultant, an active member of my local community and a school governor of two local schools
Dream holiday destination
This is an easy one, way up a tributary of the Amazon River, researching and collecting new species of fish.
I couldn’t live without
My family and friends.
Prefers to avoid
Disingenuous people
Admires
The members of my community who work day in and out supporting our community without pay, without self-interest but with plenty of passion.
Strengths
Empathy, you can’t begin to understand the person next to you without it and you need it if you want to help.
ForHousing Committees
ForHousing Board Members chair four committees. They help to support and oversee key changes to the organisation and provide ForHousing with different perspectives. They help us make and review decisions related to the day-to-day running of ForHousing.
The Committee will ensure that services are equitable, accessible and fit for purpose and that our tenants can influence the development of these services and are at the heart of all the ForHousing do.
Aderonke Apata
Customer Committee
Name
Aderonke Apata
Occupation
Founder and CEO of African Rainbow Family
Dream holiday destination
United States of America
I couldn’t live without
My family
Prefers to avoid
Confrontation
Admires
Patience and openness
Strengths
I am a good listener and always ready to help
Adina Makin
Customer Committee
Name
Adina Makin
Occupation
Complaints manager – First Choice Homes
Dream holiday destination
Jamaica – I have family there but have never been
I couldn’t live without
Asos – shopaholic
Prefers to avoid
Cold weather
Admires
My favourite rapper is J.Cole because his music expresses the importance of inner peace and often tackles social issues. It reminds you that there is more to life than materialistic vices and to appreciate your family and friends.
Strengths
My ability to have empathy and understanding when dealing with others.
Chikwendu Ifionu
Customer Committee
Name
Chikwendu Ifionu
Occupation
I work for HMRC as a front line manager
Dream holiday destination
Jersey
I couldn’t live without
My family
Prefers to avoid
Dishonest people
Admires
Nature
Strengths
I’m a hardworking individual
Kate Langtree
Customer Committee
Name
Kate Langtree
Occupation
Carer, Volunteer, Holistic Therapist
Dream holiday destination
Las Vegas/Thailand
I couldn’t live without
Family and books
Prefers to avoid
Confrontation
Admires
I admire a lot of people, including friends and family members. Famous people such as Marcus Rashford for his charity work such as backing of child food poverty incentives.
Strengths
I am an excellent communicator and listener with a passion for helping others when I can. I am a positive person.
Kelly Nash
Customer Committee / People & Culture Committee
Name
Kelly Nash
Occupation
Sales Ledger Clerk
Dream holiday destination
Sorrento
I couldn’t live without
Coffee and good book
Prefers to avoid
Fish!
Admires
Honesty
Strengths
Honesty and respectfulness
Samantha Jayne Bellamy
Customer Committee
Name
Samatha Jayne Bellamy
Occupation
Local Councillor and comunity volunteer
Dream holiday destination
India
I couldn’t live without
My children
Prefers to avoid
Balloons
Admires
My grandma
Strengths
My personality, networking skills and people skills
Stephen England
Customer Committee / Audit & Risk Committee
Name
Stephen England
Occupation
DHL supply chain transport manager
Dream holiday destination
A log cabin in the woods
I couldn’t live without
Strawberries and cream, ice cream
Prefers to avoid
Negativity
Admires
My younger brother, Luke
Strengths
Listening to others
This committee supports the delivery of safe, well maintained, sustainable and affordable homes. They monitor, consider and recommend guidance to ForHousing on development activity and performance. They consider new development opportunities and monitors the delivery of existing schemes and projects, aligned to the delivery of our Homes Strategy.
The Committee will ensure that our people are well supported and have the right tools and learning to discharge their duties. The Committee will ensure that the culture of ForHousing reflects that set by the Board and that colleague wellbeing, and EDI is central to the decisions ForHousing makes.
The Committee will ensure that ForHousing is adequately monitoring its risks, and that it operates within a strong control framework with robust data governance, which allows the progression of the ForHousing Strategy.
