Long-standing housing chief to step down

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities

The chief executive of Black Country Housing Group (BCHG) is to stand down in the summer after 23 years with the organisation.

Under Sandra Spence's leadership, the Group has diversified its operations to include a home improvement agency, domiciliary care, sheltered accommodation, a sustainability consultancy and employment and training services.

Sandra became general manager of St Philips Housing Association in 1988 which later merged with Lotus Housing, before BCHG was formed in 1990.

She helped to build BCHG’s reputation for sustainability by setting up a consultancy and overseeing the organisation’s first low carbon housing development in 1999.

Sandra has been involved in a number of local and national groups and consortia including being former regional chair of the National Housing Federation, a Director of the Black Country Consortium, a member of the Sandwell Strategic Partnership and a director of the Black Country Learning and Skills Council.

Sandra said: "Taking note of the wise words of the walrus it is time for me to move on and find new things to do and new people to irritate. I am confident that I will be leaving BCHG in a strong position and well able to take forward the new agenda.

"I have worked with some great people over the years and sadly would pay tribute to some of those long standing movers and shakers whom are no longer with us – Judith Gibbons, Mike Swain and Sarah Webb. For the future I am sure the organisation will continue to thrive under the stewardship of the Board and senior team.”

Councillor Peter Bilson, chair of BCHG, said: “The departure of Sandra will mark the end of an important chapter for BCHG, during which the homes and lives of thousands of people across the region have been improved.”

BCHG manages 2,000 homes across Birmingham and the Black Country.