Flourish Homes is facing a bright new future after major changes to its governance and management.
Wendy Murphy, a Fellow of the Institute of Housing, has taken over as Chair of the board and Alan Brunt, previously Chief Executive of Tamar Housing in Plymouth, has joined Flourish Homes as its new Managing Director.
A new executive team is also in place. This includes Amanda Meanwell, Director of Neighbourhood and Housing Services; Joy Kingsbury, Director of Care and Support Services; Jane King, Head of Human Resources and Nick Jackson, Head of Resources. The new team will be complete when Chris George joins as Director of Property Services in January.
In January Flourish Homes will officially become a member of the Devizes based Aster Group. The successful Aster Group is the parent company of four high performing not-for-profit organisations in the south and south west that provide affordable homes, care and support services. It has assets of almost £350 million and employs over 400 staff. Flourish Homes will retain its independent operation, name and staff and there will be no significant changes for residents.
“It is a period of immense change for Flourish Homes,” said the new Managing Director Alan Brunt.
“It is also one of the most exciting times in the association’s short history. By joining the Aster Group and with our change of personnel, the association now has an immense resource of expertise, knowledge and practical experience to help provide the highest level of services to our tenants across the Mendip region.
“The final good news is that the Housing Corporation has announced that it is scaling down its supervision of Flourish Homes following the changes. It really is an excellent way to end the year.”
Andrew Wiles, Housing Corporation Director for the South West, said the Corporation was pleased with the progress which Flourish Homes has made “I wish Flourish Homes well in its new partnership with the Aster Group,” he said.
