18 January 2022 | 5 minutes read

We are delighted to welcome three new members to Cobalt’s Board and one new independent committee member.

Bringing new knowledge and experience to the strength and expertise on Cobalt’s Board and committees, these new members have been appointed following a rigorous and extensive recruitment campaign.

Chief Executive, Alan Rogers, added:

“Adding this talent to Cobalt’s Board will help us to drive forward key strategic ambitions over the next few years, and I’m delighted to welcome a wealth of passionate, knowledgeable individuals who are genuinely committed to Cobalt’s tenants and communities.

Together these new appointments build on our existing Board member skills in areas such as development, finance, health and resident involvement. They will play a key role in ensuring we achieve our vision and in helping us to deliver our strategic priorities, whilst keeping our customers at the heart of our work.

Our executive team are looking forward to working with our new members and we welcome them all to Cobalt Housing.”

About the new Board and Committee members:

Claire Griffiths – Board member

Claire has worked in social housing for over thirty years, and is currently Executive Director of Development, Assets and Growth at Irwell Valley Homes. She is passionate about working with community and neighbourhood focused organisations, and is an experienced Board member.

She has specialism in strategic leadership, development and asset management, and has extensive knowledge of the sector with a focus on listening to and involving tenants, consumer affordability and creating vibrant communities.

Claire said:

“I’m so pleased to be joining the Board at Cobalt, and really looking forward to using my extensive experience of developing new homes and investing in existing ones to help the team and Board move forward with ambitious plans to make sure the Cobalt neighbourhoods and residents are able to thrive and grow.”

Wes Baker – Board member

Wes is currently Director of Strategic Analytics, Economics and Population Health Management for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. He is the lead for some ground-breaking projects in north Liverpool, which are national pilots for promoting independence for older and vulnerable residents through digital innovation, and improving service provision for families with complex issues, many of whom live in the Cobalt areas.

He is passionate about Cobalt’s communities and the need to make a positive impact in addressing the impact of the pandemic, debt, crime and violence on health outcomes. Wes recognises Cobalt’s strong community focus and wants to use his networks and role to support Cobalt to transform our communities.

Wes said:

“I am excited to be appointed to the role of Non-Executive Director at Cobalt Housing. I am currently employed by Mersey Care NHS as Director of Population Health (PHM). Essentially, PHM looks beyond the health system to consider the wider determinants of health, utilising a partnership approach across the NHS and other public services, including councils, schools, the fire service, police, voluntary sector, housing associations, social services and the public.

All have a role to play in addressing the interdependent issues that affect people’s health and wellbeing. It is estimated that healthcare only accounts for 20% of a person’s health outcomes, and a much greater impact can be achieved by looking at some of the causes of poor outcomes, such as housing, employment, education and the environment.

I am hoping I can use my time at Cobalt to work toward the PHM agenda to tackle the wider determinates of health.”

Pam Smith – Board member

Pam’s current role is as a Non-Executive Director for Cheshire CCG, focusing on resident engagement, involvement and experience. Pam has spent a large part of her career working in partnership with housing associations, with specialist knowledge and experience in care and extra care schemes.

Pam is passionate about addressing inequalities and ensuring homes and residents are safe, healthy and well, and puts tenant involvement and harnessing the skills of local people and volunteers at the centre of developing services.

Pam said:

“I am delighted to be appointed to the Cobalt Board. I was attracted to the role as I know that Cobalt works hard in its communities, looks after the people that they employ, empowers those that live in their properties and has ambitious plans for the future. 

My background is in social care and health, and I have worked with housing associations for many years, assisting in the development of specialist housing for older people and those with a disability. I hope that my skills will compliment those of my fellow Board members, and I am really looking forward to working in partnership to build the future of the organisation.”

Alex Lord – Co-optee to Development Committee

Alex is the Lever Chair in Urban Planning, School of Environmental Sciences, at the University of Liverpool. He is a Board Member on the Built Environment Board for Merseyside LEP, and is an advisor to City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram through his role as Land Commissioner. He brings a background in applied academia, housing and economic research, with an understanding of the challenges and drivers for change.

As a resident of the area, and with national and local networks, he brings a useful understanding and some practical insight into the front-line challenges facing the business and the area. Alex has previously brought unique insight in the development of area neighbourhood profiles to inform strategy and development.

Alex said:

“I am thrilled to have been appointed to the Cobalt Development Committee. I have lived in north Liverpool since moving to the city to take up a post at the University of Liverpool in 2007, and have a deep affection for the area.  Having worked with Cobalt previously to support the development of the organisation’s growth strategy, I know just how important Cobalt is in shaping communities in Croxteth, Norris Green and Fazakerley.

In my new role as a Development Committee member, I will work hard to build on this previous work and cement the relationship between Cobalt and the University of Liverpool.”

 

 

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