Member Article

Tyne Housing strengthens its management team

North East housing provider, Tyne Housing Association (THA) has strengthened its management team with the appointment of two senior executives.

The appointments have been made following the Board’s decision to significantly restructure the group, its financial arrangements and staffing structure.

Simon Callaghan has been appointed as Head of Housing and is responsible for managing the housing and support service it provides. He joins the organisation from national housing provider, Habinteg where he was Area Manager (North East) and then Operations Manager (North) - a position he held for two years.

Commenting on his appointment, Simon, 47 from Stockton said: “This is an exciting new role and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead. I want to build on the excellent service Tyne Housing already delivers but use my experience to help grow the business in a sustainable way.

“Tyne Housing’s core business is to provide housing and support services to some of the most vulnerable people here in Newcastle, so it is important we continue to deliver that. There is a lot of opportunities – lots of things we could be doing which will enhance service delivery for our users.”

Meanwhile, Louise Wilson, 43 from Durham has been appointed as Head of Business Development and will be responsible for growing and developing the business. As well as THA’s core business, she will also help its charitable arm, Ouseburn Farm Charity, the workshops and newly expanded warehouse to become more self-sustaining and cost effective.

Louise joins the business where she has been working as a business consultant providing support to a range of not for profit organisations, including charities, local authorities and community enterprises. She has a wealth of experience working in community-based regeneration and public health sectors. She has managed regeneration schemes in excess of £50m and worked as regional lead for obesity for the Department of Health.

Louise said: “THA is an ambitious organisation and grounded in the communities it serves. My ethos is to deliver work that makes a difference and to develop and create initiatives that will help the organisation to grow and develop.

“This role gives me the opportunity to get hands on with the Farm and charitable side of the business. I will be looking at innovative new ways to develop the company in a way that meets the Board’s aspiration and vision and to review its current income and partnership arrangements.”

In addition to Simon and Louise’s appointments, the business also welcomes Chad Male who joins the business as Community and Events Fundraiser for Ouseburn Farm Charity.

Chad is responsible for developing and implementing a community and events fundraising plan for the Farm. He will identify and develop opportunities for new fundraising initiatives and is responsible for managing the Farm’s annual programme of fundraising events.

Chad, 25 commented: “Ouseburn Farm is a fantastic attraction and I want to build on the very successful Crowdfunder campaign that was launched earlier this year and hopefully generate the funding required to help it become self-sustaining and to keep the farm going for the next few years.”

Ian Johnson, Chief Executive of Tyne Housing Association, said: “Following a restructure of the group last year, I am pleased to welcome Simon, Louise and Chad to the organisation. They each bring with them a wealth of experience that will help us to continue to deliver an excellent service to our tenants but also look at new innovative ways to grow in future.”

Tyne Housing Association was established in 1973 and provides supported housing and day services to vulnerable people across Tyneside and Northumberland.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Up North Communications .