New and improved

Improving our management structure & bringing in new people

Here at DAMHA, we believe that the success of the Association is founded upon our ability to continuously improve our service and performance, and the single most important ingredient to our success is our people.

Having the right people in the right jobs, within an effective management structure is paramount. For some time now, we have been re-shaping the way that we are organised to make the best of our resources for our residents, both now and in the future.

We also believe in keeping our residents up to date with the way we work and in touch with the people who are working on your behalf. With that in mind, we would like to present a short profile of some of the new people who have joined us recently and, the individuals who have moved into new positions to grow with the Association as part of our re-structuring process.

Gordon Gray

At the beginning of October 2007, Gordon Gray was appointed as Chief Executive of DAMHA. “My first three months as Chief Executive have been fairly hectic as there have been some significant organisational changes designed to improve the quality of service provided to residents. I'm pleased to say that the transition has been very smooth and everyone is settling into their new roles extremely well.”, said Gordon.

Gordon has been with DAMHA since 3rd January 1983, when he was appointed as DAMHA's first ever Housing Manager in its then 85 year history. “We were just embarking on what was to be an 18-year modernisation programme to tackle some of the poor conditions in many of our homes. Now, 25 years on, I'm extremely proud to be head of an organisation which is officially recognised as one of the best housing associations in the country”, said Gordon.

Outside of work, Gordon's interests include golf and skiing. On the subject of golf, Gordon claims that he is, ...not very good. I was 47 before I swung a club, which is far too old to start”. And, he confesses to being an avid Newcastle United fan, which, he says, ...doesn't go down too well with some of our residents and committee members. My granddad started taking me when I was 7 so I'm afraid it's well and truly in the blood”.

Gordon's father and grandfather were both miners in Northumberland, “So, it gives me extra pride to know that I'm helping play a part in improving the quality of life for older people in the Durham Coalfield, most of whom are former miners and their wives”.

Now, the Housing and Development department that Gordon formerly headed, has been replaced with two new departments; Asset Management and Housing Management.

Brian Stobbs

Asset Management, which looks after new build, modernisation, planned improvements and repairs, is led by Brian Stobbs.

Brian, who was appointed Asset Manager in September, 2007, joined the Association 15 years ago has worked in an increasingly evolving role within DAMHA incorporating Planned Maintenance and Improvement works in addition to the Association's new build projects. When describing the Asset Management Department's work, Brian says, “The department will continue to strive to seek continuous improvements in the maintenance of building services provided”.

Not just a high-flyer at work, Brian unwinds by building radio controlled model aircraft, which he puts through their paces on Stanhope Fells.

Pauline York

Housing Management, which addresses lettings, resident welfare and housing management service issues, is now led by our new Housing Manager, Pauline York.

Pauline, joined the Association on 1st Nov 2007 bringing over 23 years of housing work experience to the Association.

Pauline previously worked as Business Development Manager for Derwentside Homes and has a broad range of experience including working as a Housing Benefit Assessor, an Estate Management Officer, a Neighbourhood Manager and, as a Regeneration and Service Development Manager.

In her leisure time, Pauline loves fell and mountain walking. “I adore the west coast of Scotland and like to escape there at least twice a year. I'd love to say that I am working my way through the Munroes, but I'm not so sure how many I will get through these days”. However, she has climbed Ben Nevis, although she said, “I did manage to get stuck in a bog in Glen Nevis once (up to my thighs) – not a pretty sight I can tell you”.

When Pauline isn't walking or stuck in bogs, she also enjoys reading – Alan Bennett, Ian Rankin, and JK Rowling among others.

John Milne

At the beginning of November 2007, the Association appointed John Milne as Technical Inspector to work within the new Asset Management team to help on the delivery of maintenance works and building improvements.

John studied construction at Newcastle College and is a keen golfer with an impressive handicap of 5! Gordon Gray said, “ Maybe we now stand a chance to win next year's golf day”, (see back page for this year's results). Gordon didn't comment on John's passionate support of Sunderland AFC!

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