Now in his 30th year with Wirral Methodist Housing Association Chief Executive, Alun Hughes is stepping down to take early retirement at the end of July 2018.
Qualified as a Chartered Surveyor, Alun worked at Liverpool City Council, The Housing Corporation and Merseyside Improved Houses (now Riverside Housing). Alun then took on the role of Chief Executive at Wirral Methodist Housing Association in January 1989 charged with the task of leading the then 25-year-old housing association into the ‘Brave New World’ of the post 1988 Housing Act. Since then the Association has diversified widely both geographically within Wirral and in the range of clients’ needs now met. The Association has now more than doubled in size, has a stock of over 850 homes, with more in the pipeline.
“It has been a particular pleasure, growing up as I did in Birkenhead to not only make a real improvement to people’s lives but to make a positive impact on the streets I love”, said Alun. “I am particularly proud of our achievements in leading the regeneration of the Hamilton Quarter, where we led the way in restoring historic buildings whilst creating interesting homes for people and creating vibrant street frontages.”
“Being smaller and locally focussed means that when we see an opportunity or an unmet need we can move straight onto it with a solution. Not only that but the Association’s overheads are low, meaning we can deliver on the Government’s demand for new homes whilst offering excellent Value For Money outcomes.”
The Association is still closely aligned to the ethos of its 8 Methodist founders, who in 1964 challenged by the poor housing conditions on their doorstep, and the effect on family life, resolved through their efforts and charitable giving to create a safety net for those failing to secure Council provision, a full three years before the influential, ‘Cathy Come Home’, TV drama.
Paul Carhart the Association’s newly appointed Chief Executive will take up his post from early August 2018.
Paul has held a number of senior and executive roles in housing. He was Executive Director of Customer Services at the ForViva Group, and currently holds a Non-Executive Director role at Your Housing Group. With experience from a range of different housing organisations Paul will bring new perspectives and intends to continue to enhance the positive position of Wirral Methodist Housing Association in the social housing sector.
Paul said, “I am delighted to be joining Wirral Methodist Housing Association. It is a strongly community focussed Association with an outstanding reputation. Working with the Board and staff colleagues we want to continue our development programme and enhance the lives of those with whom we work across Wirral.”