View from the Board: Update from the Chair

The Peabody Trust Board met on 6 June and 24 July 2024.

On 6 June, the Board confirmed the ongoing relationship between Peabody and Town and Country Housing, a subsidiary with homes in Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

At the July meeting, the Board received updates on committee meetings, operational and financial performance, year-end reporting, and development and procurement approvals. The Board also:

• Discussed the inquest into the sad death of a young resident in the canal in Islington in February
• Considered ongoing investigations into the fire at Pembury and the support given to residents
• Approved the Home Ownership Strategy and addressed rising costs to leaseholders for works and insurance, which increased service charges
• Reviewed a report on asset compliance, including gas, electrical and statutory checks to ensure resident safety
• Considered updates on complaints and progress on the improvement plan
• Noted progress against the Plan for Thamesmead.

I have also taken on the formal role as the Board Member Responsible for Complaints. In this capacity, I’m reviewing the Housing Ombudsman’s maladministration findings against Peabody. I’m meeting quarterly with the CEO, Chief Operating Officer, and other colleagues to review what complaints are telling us. We’ll also meet the Resident Complaints Panel at least once a year.

The Resident Experience Committee will continue to play a significant role in monitoring complaints and the Complaints Improvement Plan.

My engagements at Peabody over the past few months included:

12 June: Together with the CEO, Ian McDermott, I met with the Resident Led Group to discuss their priorities and thank them for their valuable work.

26 June: I visited estates in Hackney and Islington to meet local residents and see the work of the Peabody Community Foundation at the Pembury Centre. I also visited the Cook for Good food pantry and professional kitchen near Kings Cross to meet volunteers who help make the pantry work.

10 July: Together with Board member and Chair of the Development Committee, Terry Hartwell, I visited homes in Deptford and Lewisham. We reflected on the diverse types of Peabody housing, and how the design and specification of buildings influence the experience of the residents who live in them.

21 June: I attended a meeting organised by the National Housing Federation with Richard Blakeway, the Housing Ombudsman and other housing association Chairs. This meeting covered the breadth of the Housing Ombudsman’s work and the relationship between them, housing associations and residents.

19 June: I went along to the G15 Ethnicity in Housing Awards, which celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic people in housing. Ebun Atinmo, Head of Communications at Peabody, was recognised with the Inspirational Leader Award. Peabody residents Donna Hall and Charmaine Clarke, who run the Bright Beginnings group, won the Resident Group Award.