Meet the team

Jonathan joined PCH as Chief Executive in September 2023, and is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership of the organisation, working with the Board and Executive Management Team.

Before moving to Devon, Jonathan worked as Chief Operating Officer for Vivid Housing in Portsmouth, and was previously the Chief Executive of City West Homes in London and Chief Operating Officer for Sovereign Housing in Newbury.

Jonathan’s earlier career included senior management roles in the telecommunications and customer service sectors, and championing the voice of the customer remains a key focus today, as well as ensuring PCH delivers excellent services for residents and works to improve lives within the communities it serves.

Alongside his role as CEO at PCH, Jonathan serves as a Non-Executive Director for Magna Housing in Dorset and a Non-Executive Director of the UK Institute of Customer Service.

In his free time, Jonathan enjoys watching rugby and following F1, walking the South West Coast Path with his family, and learning more about the history of Plymouth and the South West as he explores the region.

Nick has been with PCH from the start in 2009.  His responsibilities cover Finance, Digital and IT, Procurement and Development of new homes.

He has had senior roles in housing since 2000 both with housing associations and the Regulatory body and prior to that worked for the Charity Commission and at a national charity.

Nick is the first to say he has great teams of people in his directorate which is providing the lead for the aim to develop over 200 homes a year in and around Plymouth, promoting greater use of digital technology to improve services and hence lives, providing value for money and ensuring the finances are secure for a strong independent long term future.

Outside of work Nick loves spending time with his family, playing 5-a-side football, watching sport (especially Notts County whenever he can), going to the theatre, gardening and being involved in his local church.

Gill has been part of PCH since November 2009 and is passionate about providing decent, safe, affordable homes for people in need.

She leads the HR, Communications and Marketing, Strategy, Performance and Policy, Customer Experience and Assurance, Governance, Property, Safety and Environmental Services functions for the organisation and is passionate about providing excellent customer services and engaging with people - themes common to all Gill’s teams.

Before joining PCH, Gill was Assistant Director for HR and Organisational Development for Plymouth City Council, where she had worked in a variety of roles over 28 years.

She is Plymouth born and bred and believes passionately in home grown talent, investing and developing the city’s skilled workforce.

Gill enjoys travelling, going to the theatre and reading.

Tracy joined PCH in March 2024 and leads the teams in Housing and Tenancy Management, Communities, Repairs, Voids and Compliance, Asset Strategy and Delivery, Incomes, Commercial and Home Ownership. 

Tracy has more than 20 years’ experience of working in senior leadership and management roles with a customer and asset focus, most recently as the Director of Campus Experience and Commercial Services for University College London (UCL), overseeing services across the university’s estate including security, commercial services and estate management.

Tracy has also held voluntary roles as a board member for several organisations, including housing associations, since 2020.

Chair of the Board and member of the Remuneration Panel

Joined the PCH Board in September 2020

Valerie hails from Plymouth and has enjoyed a successful career in the retail sector for more than 30 years, and leading large-scale transformation programmes. She has been an integral part of the PCH since joining in September 2020 and has recently been appointed a Chair of the PCH Board.

In addition to serving on the Board of PCH, Valerie also holds non-executive positions as Chair of the Circadian Trust, Associate Non-Executive Director at University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) NHS Trust, Chair of the Future Hospital Committee at UHP and Chair of the new Integrated Care Partnership between the NHS Trust and Livewell Southwest.

Valerie’s experience as a non-executive and Board member has led her to see the benefit in partnership working across the city, to help address some of the broader issues faced in health, wellbeing and social care.

“I joined PCH because I am passionate about supporting businesses that strive to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities across the South West. I have real admiration for the team at PCH, the culture, and the commitment to great customer service. At PCH, there are always opportunities to learn and there is a real genuine desire to hear the voices of residents and customers. The culture is also one of psychological safety, where those ideas are welcomed.”

Vice Chair of the Board

Joined the PCH Board in May 2023

Peter is a highly experienced housing professional and leader, having  served on Housing Association and ALMO boards for over 15 years, and as Chair of the Quality of Existing Homes Group for the National Federation of Housing.

Peter has also held several senior executive roles including as a Corporate Director of a local authority in the South West and most recently as Director of Assets at Clarion Housing Group which is the UK’s largest Housing Association.

As well as his non-executive work, Peter runs his own consultancy business which provides support across the social housing sector.

Board Member and member of the Audit and Risk Committee

Joined the PCH Board in July 2023

Emma is a qualified accountant and has worked in several different industries including Retail, Housing and most recently global Supply Chain Management, in a career spanning 30 years. She has experience of systems implementation, business transformation, and raising finance.

Originally from Oxfordshire, Emma moved to the South West six years ago after returning from living and working in South America. She is now semi-retired and lives with her partner and three dogs in Cornwall.

“I am excited to have joined Plymouth Community Homes, a highly regarded housing association. My personal experience living in a developing country has increased my awareness and perspective of people living on very low incomes, the challenges that people face on a day-to-day basis, and that even the smallest assistance makes a sizeable difference to people’s lives and the community they live in.”

Board Member and Chair of the PCH Regeneration Board

Joined the PCH Board in May 2022

Jill is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the housing and development sector. She has held senior positions in a number of housing associations and is the former Executive Director of Development and Commercial  at Westward Housing. She is also a Non-Executive Director for Torvista Homes.

Board Member, Chair of the Development Committee and member of the Audit and Risk Committee

Joined the PCH Board in September 2020

Julie is a chartered surveyor and member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors with experience in development, construction and property management across the private and public sectors. She is also a Fellow of the Faculty of Building and a corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Julie is the former Chief Executive of Tamar Housing Society and co-founder of the new right-to-own tenure Rentplus. She is a trustee of the Kingsbridge charity, Feoffees.

Board Member, Chair of the Customer Focus Committee and member of the Remuneration Panel

Joined the Customer Focus Committee in April 2017 and the PCH Board in September 2018

Lavinia was born in Romania and moved here with her husband and has a young daughter. Lavinia has numerous qualifications including a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, a Master’s Degree in European Studies, a Master’s Degree in Communications and Public Relations and an Advance Diploma in The Management of Resources in Public Administration. Having worked for eight years as an advisor in Iasi City Council Romania, she dealt with lots of people from different backgrounds and offered them support. Lavinia currently works at Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council as a Community Engagement Worker and Advocate. 

“I really believe that PCH is part of the wider community and part of Plymouth as a city. I am really happy to be part of this story. From the moment I approached PCH, I felt the professionalism and dedication of the people who work here. The future of PCH looks brilliant and I want to make sure PCH continues to adapt to new housing requirements and continues to offer great service that people want and can afford."

Board Member, Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and member of the Development Committee

Liz has worked for the Greater London Council and with Housing Ministers on affordable housing policy. Liz has also worked with London & Quadrant Housing and has been a Board member for another housing association.

When she’s not fully occupied with work, running her guesthouse, she also volunteers with the Plymouth Soup Run and Plymouth School Uniform Store.

“With PCH now developing homes in Plymouth’s travel to work area, we’re showing we’re not just about maintaining standards for existing tenants, we’re also securing homes for the future, for people who may not live in the city, but may work here. It shows PCH is a big part of the city’s economy”.

Board Member and member of the Customer Focus Committee and Development Committee

Joined the PCH Board in May 2022

Maja started her career as an urban designer, best describing it as halfway between architecture and planning. Maja later went on to work for charities that empowered communities through design, giving them a say in new developments. Maja moved to Devon a year ago, having worked for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan on a scheme called the London Community-led Housing Hub.

“I have a diverse background having worked with many different people across different sectors and am super excited about future developments in Plymouth. I believe new housing developments should weave the community in and around them, making the most of insights from local people. Neighbouring residents of new housing schemes should always have a say and I want to encourage this in my role with PCH. New developments can become positively embraced, if you work with the community.”  

Independent Board Member on the PCH Regeneration Board

Mike Day has over 40 years’ experience of affordable housing working in both private and public sector, having worked for Wimpey Homes, as well as Knightstone Housing Group (Now Live West), Shaftesbury Housing and Oxford City Housing.

Board Member and member of the Development Committee

Joined the PCH Board in May 2022

Sally Haydon has been the ward councillor in St Budeaux for 16 years. During this time, she was a Cabinet member responsible for customer focus and community safety which dealt with anti-social behaviour and environmental safety including fly tipping. She is currently a Shadow Cabinet member for Regulatory Service, Crematoria, Leisure, Events and Tourism.

Board Member and member of the Audit and Risk Committee and PCH Regeneration Board

Joined the PCH Board in May 2022

Tasawar has an impressive career, with a background and PHD in finance. He has specialist knowledge in sustainable business practices and even travels the world giving talks on his research. 

His work has been featured in top-tier academic journals, including the Financial Times’s Top-50 influential journals in the world.

Tasawar has lived in Plymouth for seven years.

Having lived in Plymouth for most of her life, working in a construction background, Jo joined the PCH resident scrutiny team in 2015 and has been an active resident learning about social housing and helping other residents get involved with PCH ever since. She joined the CFC in 2022 before recently becoming a resident Board Member in 2024. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Four Greens Community Trust and is a former trustee at the SW Time Bank. She is passionate about social housing and really believes in what PCH does and how it supports it's residents and staff.

In addition to being a member of CFC, Gaynor is part of the Virtual Residents Advisory Panel and Treasurer of the Camel’s Head Social Group. When Gaynor was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005, she didn't let that limit her and feels that her involvement in these panels as her new career, one which she enjoys very much and takes a lot of pride in everything she does.

Melony has first-hand experience of living in social housing and supporting build community spirit, particularly through her involvement in the regeneration of Devonport. With a diverse background in everything from care and support work, science and teaching, to retail, sales and health philosophy, Melony brings a wide range of viewpoints and perspectives to PCH as a resident’s voice. Melony is proud to be able to make her local and wider community a better place to live for all.

Plymouth has always been a special place for Tracy and after living most of her life in social housing, she has a good understanding of what a tenant expects from their landlord. She has a particular empathy for disabled and vulnerable tenants as she is a full-time carer for a loved one and takes great pride in being involved with PCH, starting on the Virtual Residents Association and Resident Scrutiny Team before becoming a Co-optee for the Customer Focus Committee.  In her spare time, she enjoys spoiling her granddaughters, completing puzzles and learning how to play chess.

Laura is a qualified professional MRICS Planning and Development Surveyor with extensive, strategic leadership experience working across the South West in public, private and affordable housing sectors. At PCH, Laura is the lead for asset investment delivery based on evidence-based data, ensuring our residents’ homes are safe, energy efficient and great places to live.

Lucy Rickson joined PCH in October 2021 and brings over 20 years’ experience of housing association governance and regulation. Lucy has worked for several housing associations in the South West and was integral in projects to transfer council homes to new housing associations. Lucy acts as Company Secretary and Data Protection Officer for PCH and its subsidiaries. Her role includes ensuring PCH complies with social housing regulation, as well as ensuring appropriate decision-making through recruiting and supporting Board members. Lucy also oversees PCH’s data privacy and advises and supports staff.

Angie joined Plymouth Community Homes from Plymouth City Council when the organisation was formed in November 2009, and has a background of working in social services.

A key aspect of her role at PCH includes ensuring a first-class customer and assurance service which demonstrates the values of the organisation, including ensuring PCH adheres to the Housing Ombudsman complaint code, and keeps Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at the centre of everything we do. Angie also oversees a robust risk and audit function which provides assurance to the Executive and Board. Angie is a companion member of the Institute of Customer Service.

Louise has extensive operational and strategic management leadership experience working in housing, manufacturing, health and safety, procurement, facilities management and environmental services across public and housing association sectors in both London and Plymouth.

At PCH, Louise leads delivery of our Rangers service working across communities to keep areas surrounding our residents’ homes safe, clean, well maintained and environmentally friendly, as well as managing our Reuse centre. Louise is the lead at PCH for health and safety and facilities management, and ensures our workplaces and activities across PCH are safe for residents, staff and contractors.

Ian joined PCH in 2023 following a career which has included 10 years spent working in commercial sectors contracting repairs and maintenance services, and 12 years working within the social housing public sector, specialising in property maintenance and asset management.

At PCH, Ian is responsible for the management of our responsive repairs service, as well as overseeing the preparation of empty properties for reletting, and ensuring full compliance through our servicing and delivery.

Sally is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personel and Development (MCIPD) with an extensive background in human resources and more than 20 years’ experience of working within the housing sector. Within her role, Sally takes the lead for shaping and refining PCH’s People Strategy and supporting change management and culture. Sally also oversees defining pay and reward, creating an environment which enables learning and talent management, fostering positive employee engagement, and recognising and celebrating success.

Charlotte has been with PCH since the organisation began in 2009 and has over 20 years’ experience of working in the social housing sector. Charlotte started her housing career working in asset management and repairs, and then moved into performance management and strategic planning roles. Her current role involves working with the Board, Executive and Senior Teams to develop plans for the future and make sure PCH delivers on its business objectives. Charlotte is also the strategic lead for Environmental Sustainability and PCH’s partnership with Livewell SW, and for ensuring compliance with the new RSH Consumer Standards.

Andrew is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing with more than 30 years’ experience working in the housing and development sector. Andrew has overseen and directly managed a wide range of new housing and commercial projects across the South West, including for Places for People, Sovereign, Signpost and Spectrum before joining PCH in 2013.

In his current role at PCH, Andrew oversees the Development Team who are responsible for delivering and selling new affordable homes.

Eugene has extensive experience of working in the technology landscape for more than 30 years across both private and public sectors, leading on technology operational management, service and programme delivery, infrastructure and security.

At PCH, Eugene is responsible for managing the organisation’s Digital & Technology Strategy and delivering robust and protected design and solutions fit for purpose, providing reassurance to PCH’s residents and customers that their information is kept safe and secure.

Interim Head of Neighbourhoods

Phil Burgoyne joined PCH in 2009 as part of the transfer from Plymouth City Council and brings 20 years’ experience in the housing sector to his current role.  Phil has held a broad range of roles across the organisation and currently heads up the Neighbourhood Management and Housing Choices service, which includes the organisation’s teams of housing officers.

His role is focused on ensuring PCH continues to deliver outstanding services to our residents through the shaping of policy and driving forward strategy in line with PCH’s values, Mission and Vision to ensure we provide high quality homes and welcoming communities which our residents feel safe and are proud to live in.   

Helen has worked for PCH since the organisation was formed in 2009 and at Plymouth City Council prior to transfer, moving through from frontline positions to senior management roles making use of her qualifications in community work.

In her current role, Helen is responsible for delivering community development services alongside managing a thorough programme of resident involvement and resident learning.

Helen also manages PCH’s Housing with Support service at our 11 sheltered housing schemes, which help older people to live independently at home for longer.

Mary has more than 25 years’ experience working in communications, marketing, media and PR for both public and private sector companies. During her career, Mary worked as an award-winning investigative journalist, feature writer and columnist for over 15 years before moving into public relations and working for clients including property developers, local authorities and AIM-listed national companies.

Mary joined PCH in 2022 and leads a team responsible for PCH’s communications and marketing to residents, stakeholders, customers and the wider public, including digital services such as the website, resident portal and newsletters.

John is a Fellow Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accounts (FCCA) with an extensive background in accountancy and career history of working in both the private and social housing industries. John has more than nine years of experience in the housing sector and prior to this, worked for six years within various roles in the private sector.

John leads on all finance matters for PCH, supporting the association to meet its short and long term objectives and deliver a robust and resilient business approach driving value for money whilst investing in new homes.

Nicky has been with PCH since the beginning, having previously worked for Plymouth City Council and has over 40 years of housing experience most of which has been within Tenancy Management or Income Collection.  Nicky is known as the expert on Welfare Reform issues within PCH and has given evidence at a Select Committee into Universal Credit which resulted in a number of changes being made to the system, as well as meeting with the Minister for Universal Credit to highlight the 53 week rent year issue.

James has worked at PCH for over 12 years and was appointed as Risk and Assurance Manager in 2022. James is an Affiliate member of the Institute of Risk Management and is committed to ensuring risk management is applied practically across the organisation. James works closely with the Board, Executive and Senior Management Team to ensure that risk appetite, and strategic risks are understood and considered in the wider context of global, national and local risks which have the potential to impact on the business.

Sean joined PCH in 2019 as a Repairs Supervisor bringing with him a wealth of experience from working as a Repairs Operative and a background as a carpenter.

Last year, Sean was appointed to a newly created role of Damp and Disrepair Manager as part of PCH’s commitment to tackle damp, mould and condensation in our homes. Sean has overall responsibility for, and leadership over, all disrepair cases and damp and mould resolution for PCH.

Sean is a member of the Property Care Association promoting best practice and providing technical guidance in the industry sector.

Marc joined PCH in July 2023 and has over 20 years’ experience of fire safety and compliance work to the role.

Marc has worked for various housing associations in the South West and as a Fire Safety provider and consultant for both private and public sector business across the UK. At PCH, Marc is leading on the delivery of the requirements of the Building Safety Act and Social Housing Act, ensuring that Building Safety Case reports are produced and maintained, and that PCH is engaging with residents to drive forward continuous improvement in our homes.

Louise joined PCH in June 2012 and brings more than 20 years’ experience of working in a customer service environment. Louise’s role involves managing the PCH complaints process, championing complaints to ensure our residents are heard and we make improvements where we need to, and sharing feedback as part of the process to promote a positive customer experience, as well as supporting and coaching staff to get it right first time.