News

It is with great regret that I have had to step down as Chair of Gateway Housing Association.
My decision to step down has not been easy as I was looking forward to contributing to the
work of Gateway. I would like to thank everyone including residents, staff, the Board, and
stakeholders for your support over the last six months. I have enjoyed working with you and
there have been many highlights during this time.

As we return to more normal working as we come out of the pandemic, safety remains our
priority. We’re making good progress with investigating the external wall systems of buildings
that are between 11 and 18 meters. It will take time to complete but we are committed to
continuing to prioritise resources to improve the safety of all our homes. Our income and
advocacy team have supported residents by raising over £170,000 through advocacy and
advice services to help residents sustain their tenancies. The pandemic has also impacted
upon our service delivery and contributed to lower resident satisfaction rates but Gateway is
putting in place plans to bring about improvements. I am confident that staff and the Board,
working together with residents, will continue to engage so that service areas can be
improved.

We completed the construction of 204 affordable homes in our local community, giving
residents priced out of the property market a chance to rent or buy an affordable home. I am
particularly proud of our Vic Johnson House scheme which was awarded the best older
people's housing development (urban) in November 2021. This was in recognition of its
excellent design and build quality. I was also pleased to formally open our newest scheme for
the elderly at Norba Court, Bow E3, in November 2021, which offers 46 London Affordable
homes for rent. More than ever, the pandemic has highlighted how important it is to our health
and wellbeing to have a good home. While the circumstances have been very challenging, we
remained resilient and our commitment to providing safe, secure, and affordable homes for
existing and new residents remains strong.

It was also the Board's priority to ensure staff were supported during a challenging and
uncertain time. I am pleased with the health and wellbeing programmes and development
opportunities provided to staff and believe that we continue to be a diverse and inclusive
organisation where everyone can thrive.

We will also say farewell to Helen Cope this year (2022) when she steps down as the Board's
Vice Chair. She has been a highly effective board member and I would like to thank her for
her contribution over the last four years.

Bala Mahendran will take over as the Interim Chair of the Board for the next six months, whilst
a new Chair is recruited. Bala has extensive leadership experience and has worked in Local
Government since 1986. He was Chief Executive of Basildon Borough Council and former
Chair of the Essex Chief Executive Association and the Basildon Community Safety
Partnership. Bala was also the Deputy Chair of Prospects College of Advanced Technology
(PROCAT). He has strong interests in housing, regeneration, achieving sustainable and
inclusive economic growth. He joined the Gateway Board in October 2020. I am sure you will
provide Bala with every support as he steps into this new role from 01 April 2022.

Best wishes,

Jackie Odunoye