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How we are run
The GHA is not part of the States of Guernsey but is sponsored by the Committee for Employment and Social Security (CESS), as part of the States Corporate Housing Programme. The organisations work together to provide new additional social housing to meet the needs of local Guernsey people.
The GHA is controlled by a board of directors who are experienced professionals drawn from the community who serve on a voluntary unpaid basis. Chaired by Derek Brown, the board has five non-executive directors.
Our non-executive directors come from a variety of backgrounds and have a strong mix of experience from finance, structural engineering, residential and commercial surveying, social services, mechanical and electrical engineering, facilities management and compliance.
The board are all unpaid volunteers keen to give something back to the community through the provision of housing for local people on lower incomes. They were all appointed following a public advert and interview process.
The GHA is managed by Victoria Slade and employs more than 20 full and part-time staff to carry out the day-to-day running of the company.
The GHA is a not for profit limited by guarantee company. The shares in the company are held by the unpaid Board Directors, only whilst they stay on the Board. If the GHA becomes insolvent then the properties (our assets) all become the ownership of the States, and they also take on the liabilities. To raise bank finance to build our homes requires security for the banks, and the States provide this security through a financial Guarantee underwriting the GHA, meaning we can attract competitively low interest rate finance. It also means the banks do not have a legal charge on GHA properties. The GHA has a legal contract, called a Framework Agreement, with the States, setting out the roles and responsibilities of both the GHA and the States.
Chief Executive
Victoria Slade
Victoria Slade's last role in the UK was the Chief Executive of the Cynon Taf Community Housing Group in Wales where she was responsible for almost 2,000 properties in an area with significant deprivation. As chief executive of the Guernsey Housing Association, she is responsible for managing business performance, delivering on the GHA’s business plan and maintaining a close working relationship with States Housing, the Employment and Social Security Committee and Policy and Resources. Victoria's priorities are to further develop the GHA’s relationship with stakeholders whilst ensuring the properties remain in excellent condition and tenants receive a great service.
Our board
Derek Brown
Derek is a retired chartered surveyor and company director, he has extensive experience in the financial and legal sectors, and residential and commercial property. He is also a former Chairman of Governors of a UK Charity Commission-regulated Boys’ Preparatory school in England.
Rachel Copeland
Rachel was a children’s nurse prior to training as a health visitor in 1992 and worked with families in Guernsey until her retirement. Rachel developed and led the Guernsey Parents Partnership, supporting families with additional needs. She is a director of a number of Guernsey charities and most recently has been part of the development of Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre.
Ian Bloese
Ian was a partner of Campbell & Bloese, a civil and structural engineering practice on the island and brings this experience to the GHA board. His role with Campbell and Bloese meant that he was heavily involved with engineering aspects for a number of housing developments on the island. He was also engaged in commercial developments and insurance claim works connected with structural damage. He has since retired and has no involvement with the business since the sale of the practice.
Jody Newark
Jody is a financial services professional, with experience gained primarily in the investment and fund management sector. She has a broader background in corporate governance and legislation gained through further professional and academic qualifications. Her experience in operational and business risk means she can identify and analyse potential issues pragmatically and advise on strategic decisions. On a personal level, she also has a keen interest in property development and social housing locally.
Simon Kildahl
Until his recent retirement as a partner in an international law firm, Simon worked on real estate finance and banking law, advising retail and investment banks, funds, insurance and property companies. His experience includes the provision and development of housing including key worker accommodation as well as bond and bank finance for housing associations. Simon relocated to Guernsey in 2020.