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The Elim Board Members are accountable for the robust governance and success of Elim Housing, and oversee all our activities including monitoring performance, planning for the future and agreeing policy.

The Board is led by voluntary members who bring a diverse set of skills and expertise. They drive our aspirations and ensure we are applying commercial thinking to the achievement of our social aims.

Our current Chair is Andy Lunt, who took on the post in September 2019.

Sonia Furzland

Joined: 2018

Sonia has worked in housing for over 30 years and has a special interest in customer involvement, place based leadership and operational management.

"I feel keenly my responsibility as a Board member to ensure that we deliver safe, high quality homes and that the decisions we make need to be informed by our customers priorities and aspirations"

Kathryn Pennington

Joined: 2019

Kathryn has worked in housing for 13 years. Her experience extends to development and sales of all types of housing across all tenures.

“I have a strong partnership approach to delivering on goals with clear vision and shared objectives and I take pride in delivering social value and placemaking with community engagement underpinning sustainable communities.”

Ian McLeod, BA (Hons), ACMA, AMCT

Joined: 2020

Ian has held senior finance positions at housebuilders and housing associations for the last 20 years. He is also a member of Elim's Risk and Audit Committee.

“I joined the Board as I wish to help Elim achieve its goals in supporting people and providing safe, secure, high quality homes that change people’s lives.”

Mark Williams, FCT, ACMA, CGMA, HNC, BSc (Hons)

Joined: 2013

Mark is also a member of Elim's Risk and Audit Committee. He has special interests in Finance, Housing Development, Financial Planning, Compliance, and Treasury and Risk Management.

"I became a Board Member to obtain experience with a focus on helping solve issues that make a difference to people's lives."

Jacqui Darbyshire, BSc, MRICS

Joined: 2015

Jacqui is also a Director of Lime Property Ventures and has a special interest in Property Development and Management.

"Elim is an open-minded organisation keen to diversify, grow, and yet keep its core values at heart."

Andy Lunt

Joined: 2016

Andy has special interests in Health Care, Strategy Development, Support Services, and Operational Management.

"Having chaired the Organisational Development Committee, I am very pleased to be taking on the role of Group Chair in 2019. My work with Elim enables me to contribute to the development of a complex, progressive housing provider, and help our residents achieve their ambitions."

Paul Smith

Joined: 2020

Paul is the Chief Executive of Elim Housing and Lime Property Ventures.

Paul has worked in housing for over 30 years, both supported and general needs. He has been the Chief Executive of two organisations, Housing Potential UK (the housing skills body) and the Furniture Re-use Network. He has worked at a senior level for two housing associations and prior to joining Elim was the Cabinet Member for Housing at Bristol city Council.

Paul believes his priorities are excellent customer service, sustainable growth of the business and ensuring good governance informed by the views and needs of our residents.

David Heyes

Joined: 2017

David chairs the Elim Organisational Development Committee supporting effective change and transformation.

"My parents benefited hugely from social housing, as did I. I passionately support Elim’s fantastic people in their aim to provide homes and services that change people’s lives."

Melissa Barber

Joined: 2017

Melissa has special interests in Communications, Marketing, PR, Digital and Branding.

"I am always thinking outside of the box, coming up with creative, innovative ways to implement marketing and communications strategies that effectively reinforce and build brand awareness and achieve long term business objectives."

David Stollard, BEng, CEng, MICE, MAPM, MBA

Joined: 2017

David has over 20 years’ experience in the deployment of large mixed use capital projects across the world.

"I'm very keen to ensure that my skills and experience can be deployed to further benefit the immediate community, and I hope this will continue to be of a benefit to Elim Housing.”

Stuart Palmer

Joined: 2020

Stuart has over 35 years experience of planning and leading strategic housing service delivery, with a focus on organisational change, developing effective partnerships and targeted services.

“I have worked with many Housing Associations but, I was attracted to Elim because of its approach in sourcing and providing a wide range of excellent housing solutions to help people at different stages of their lives”

Sally Mason

Joined: 2020

Sally has over 25 years experience in HR and Organisational Development in both private and not for profit sectors, ranging from hospitality to social housing and believes strongly in the link between excellent customer service and high performing staff teams.

“I have always respected Elim’s commitment to providing their residents with the best support and care and look forward to helping the organisation deliver its values and vision.”