No hanging around

Unlike when she is on a climbing wall, there was certainly no hanging around for Jenny Allinson when she saw a vacancy for a Board Trustee at DAMHA.

Jenny is one of three new Trustees we were recently delighted to welcome to the Board.

We are thrilled to have been able to attract someone of Jenny’s calibre, having worked in social housing her entire career.

Jenny worked for 25 years for one of the UK’s largest housing associations. Home Group, starting as a Housing Officer and working her way up to become Head of Risk & Compliance.

She joined Bernicia Housing Group in 2021 in her current role as Director of Corporate Governance.

The Board Trustee role at DAMHA is Jenny’s first as a non-executive director but with her background in governance and compliance, she will play an important part in guiding DAMHA’s strategic direction.

“I grew up in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and at that time people either worked in the coal mining or steel industry, so I have a real appreciation of the impact the decline of these heavy industries had on local communities,” she says.

“Working in housing in the North-East for my entire career, I was aware of DAMHA and the important role they play providing affordable homes in former coalfield communities and was always struck by the lovely culture they have, which mirror my own values.

“So, to now be a Board Trustee here is fantastic and I am looking forward to playing my part in DAMHA’s future success.

“What I hope I bring to the Association is my eye on governance and how quickly this can change in our sector and being ready to adapt to further changes on the horizon.

In her spare time, married mum-of-three Jenny enjoys using the climbing wall which her husband runs in Sunderland, as well as walking her dogs.

“Having grown up in Yorkshire, the novelty of being near a coastline has never worn off and I go down the beach most mornings with the dogs,” she adds.

“I love the North-East and working in housing, so it’s perfect for me.”