Group Board

Mike Gaskell - Group Board Chair

Mike Gaskell officially started with us on 1 April 2023. Mike qualified as a solicitor in 1980 and became Managing Partner of Trowers & Hamlins’ Manchester office (specialising in corporate, governance and regulatory work for Housing Associations). Having Chaired the founding Board of Trafford Housing Trust from 2005 - a role he describes as “just about the best thing I have ever done” –  he has more recently served as Chair of the Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association and as a Board member at Weaver Vale Housing Trust and at Wakefield and District Housing.

Headshot Mike Gaskell Chair 2023
Alison Cambage

Alison joined Your Housing Group in 2018 bringing over 30 years of experience at a senior level in corporate sector organisations that include Jaguar, Bass PLC, Intercontinental Hotels, Barclays Bank and within the housing association sector at Midland Heart, Walsall HG and most recently as a Director at Bromford Housing Group.

She leads the HA sector’s Treasury Management Group; a network of over 100 treasury professionals and stakeholders across the UK and has done so for nearly 10 years and is also a member of the Audit and Risk Committee at WM Housing.

Alison graduated with a BA (Hons) in Economics and holds an MBA from the University of Warwick Business School. Alison’s areas of specialism include treasury, risk, strategy and development and she is currently a Director of her own consultancy business.

Alison lives in the Midlands and has an active role in her local community both as a Parish Councillor and trustee for a local charity.

Alison Cambage
Chris MacKenzie-Grieve

Chris joined the Board of YHG in August 2019. Chris currently works as a consultant within the property sector where he specialises in Programme and Project Management with expertise in transformation and continuous improvement. Chris has experience across a number of industries and disciplines and started his career off as a plasterer. His experience encompasses 7 years in Mergers and Acquisitions/Corporate Finance as a Projects Director, 4 years as Head of Procurement for the MoJ and a spell as Head of Commissioning and Procurement for the Animal, Plant and Health Authority. Previous Non-Exec experience includes 2 years with a Welsh Housing Association.

Chris has an MSc in Construction Management, Diploma in Surveying and a certificate In Corporate Finance from London Business School as well as being a Member of the APM and a Chartered member of CIPS. 

Chris enjoys playing guitar and keeping fit in his spare time as well as keeping up to date with the news.

Chris lives near Chester with his wife Sam and Jack Russell originally named Jack. He has two sons and a daughter who are grown up.

Headshot - Chris Mackenzie-Grieve
Brenda Smith (BA, MBA, ACA, FRSA, Doctor of Letters)

A chartered accountant and a media business executive with experience in a FTSE 100 company at Executive Board level.

Brenda worked as President EMEA for Ascent Media Group, a subsidiary of Liberty Media U.S.

A previous role includes Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Granada Television and ITV Studios and has served in a number of NED roles in the private and public sectors. Brenda is currently a member of the Investment Advisory Panel for North West Business Finance, a Governor of Manchester Metropolitan University and a member of the Advisory Boards for Manchester Business School and the Centre for Islamic Finance at the University of Bolton.

She continues to work as an advisor in the digital and media sector.

BRENDA SMITH
Bev Messinger FCIPD

Bev is an experienced senior HR/OD professional and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).  She’s spent the last 10 years focussing on major organisational transformation in local and central government. 

Bev held senior roles in several local authorities, and following a 30+ year career in local government, then spent three years with the Water Regulator, OFWAT, as their Senior Director for Business Improvement.  In 2016, she joined the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the world’s largest and only chartered health and safety professional body, as its Chief Executive. Before retiring in 2021, she led the successful delivery of IOSH’s first global five-year strategy, WORK 2022, and undertook a major internal transformation programme which was recognised by the Charity Times in their 2019 awards.

Bev is an experienced Charity Trustee and Non-Executive Director in the NHS and currently Deputy Chair and Lay Member for Patient and Public Involvement at Northamptonshire Clinical Commissioning Group, as well the Vice Chair of the Council for Work and Health.

Headshot - Bev Messinger
Darrell Mercer

Darrell joined Your Housing Group in January 2021, bringing over 40 years’ experience in social housing and development.

He started his career in housing as a Graduate Trainee in the Liverpool office of the Housing Corporation, and after spells at the Liverpool Housing Trust and the Housing Corporation in Cardiff, he was appointed Assistant Director of Housing at London Borough of Islington.

He has recently retired from his role as the Chief Executive of A2Dominion Housing Group, a member of the G15 group of the largest housing associations in London and the South-East.  Under his direction, the organisation has grown from 850 properties in management to having over 38,000 with a further 5,000 in the development pipeline.  He has considerable strategic leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles and has extensive knowledge in property development, risk management, governance and regulation.

Darrell is also an independent Non-Executive Director of Zen Housing.

In his spare time, Darrell is an Everton season ticket holder and is a keen follower of cricket and rugby league.

D Mercer
Stuart Coe

Stuart is a Chartered Accountant and has over 25 years’ experience of working in finance and risk management. Since 2017, he’s been the Deputy Director of Finance at the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust in York and its parent, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Stuart is also a member of the Finance Committee of the Lake District Calvert Trust, a charity which hosts guests with disabilities at its residential centre and he also sits on the Institute of Chartered Accountants’ Technical Advisory Committee.

Prior to this, Stuart spent most of his career in the financial services industry. He has an MBA from Manchester Business School and extensive experience of strategy development, transformation and change, governance, housing regulation, and risk management.

His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and kayaking.

S Coe
Dr. Liz Harrison

Liz studied at the University of London completing a degree and a PhD before beginning her career in Customer Insight and Strategy working for a global market research agency and retailers.

Liz directed the insight and strategy for both The Co-Operative Group and Aldi helping to develop their brands as well as influencing and leading business change. Liz now combines a portfolio of Non Executive Director roles with running her own specialist consultancy which helps businesses grow via strategic business planning and customer insight. Liz is passionate about providing excellent service that meets identified needs.

Liz Harrison Photograph 14.12
Bhupendra Mistry

Bhupendra has spent the majority of his career championing social change within communities experiencing isolation and disadvantage. Bhupendra has previously been a board member for organisations such as Manchester Metropolitan University, The Body Shop Foundation and other housing associations.

Bhupendra has international experience as a board member too with the BBC Media Action (formerly BBC World Service Trust) – connecting and inspiring change in millions of people facing insecurity, inequality and poverty.

He is the Founder and Chairman of Kamla Foundation, a charity based in the UK helping vulnerable communities in India to develop their capacity to meet basic needs and creating solutions to poverty and injustice.

In recognition of Bhupendra’s charitable work overseas, he received an international award from The Times of India Group in 2017.

B Mistry Photograph 20.12
Beata Luczak

Beata has been a resident of Your Housing Group for the last four years. She has a passion for housing and the role it plays in a wider society, which led Beata to work with several housing associations in her career. 

Beata studied at University of Bradford where she completed a Masters in Marketing and Management, however she has always worked in the housing industry, first as an Income Officer and now a Finance Business partner. 

Beata is currently working towards an Accounting Qualification (ACCA) and has over 16 years experience working in a variety of roles in highly regulated and customer-led environments.  

B Luczak Photograph 14.12

Executive Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer

Jacque joined Your Housing Group as Chief Operating Officer in March 2020. She was appointed as Deputy CEO in early 2021 and became our Interim Chief Executive in July 2022.

She has worked within the social housing sector for 30 years and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Housing and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Strategic Management. Her experience of various leadership roles across the sector makes her the ideal person to head our Executive Leadership Team.

At home, Jacque enjoys spending time with her three sons, walking her dogs and enjoying various equestrian pursuits.

Jacque Allen Headshot Values Conference March 2023

Chief Information Officer

Darren joined YHG in March of 2022 having successfully led Digital, Data, Transformation and Technology departments across a number of industry sectors both public and private for over 20 years, including as ICT Director at Your Housing Group between 2018 and 2021. He’s also an accomplished public speaker.

Darren’s role is to safeguard and develop all YHG’s systems and data, ensuring compliance and availability of technology services at all times. His guidance and experience will continue to empower colleagues and improve the day-to-day experience of colleagues and customers who increasingly rely on YHG’s growing portfolio of digital services.

In his spare time Darren enjoys regularly attending the gym, gardening and is an avid supporter of Blackburn Rovers.

Headshot - Darren Halliwell 2022

Executive Director of Corporate Services

Clare held senior governance positions at both the Co-op and the Federation of Small Business, before joining Your Housing Group in 2017. She has also worked as a Project Lead for public service projects, reporting to the Government and the Cabinet Office.

Clare’s role is to advise the Board and Executive on all aspects of Governance and legal and regulatory compliance. She holds overall responsibility for Governance, Risk and Assurance, Health and Safety, HR and Procurement while contributing to decision-making about all areas of the Groups operations. Her mission is to ensure that YHG is well-governed and meets legal and regulatory requirements for the benefit of customers, employees and wider stakeholders.

Away from YHG, Clare is an amateur rower and likes to spend her spare time on the river, walking with her dog or cooking for friends and family.

Headshot Clare Oakley

Chief Financial Officer

Kal joined YHG in October 2023 having started out her career in the private sector. The last 20 years, however, have been spent working across the public and not-for-profit sector, holding senior finance roles in Local Government, Health, Charities, Housing, and Education.

Responsible for ongoing financial sustainability and viability and identifying and implementing operational improvements and business development opportunities. All the while, embracing our culture of continuous improvement to support Value for Money throughout our organisation, Kal will be helping to shape the new strategy and enable the aspirations of the Group through finance and growth.

Outside of the world of finance, Kal is a keen fitness enthusiast and likes to start her day lifting heavy weights at the gym and enjoys going for walks in the evenings and on weekends.

Adding some balance to that though, Kal also really enjoys listening to music and as a mum of three and a new nana, loves to spend time with her family and friends.

Kal Kay
Jacque Allen

Chief Executive Officer

Jacque joined Your Housing Group as Chief Operating Officer in March 2020. She was appointed as Deputy CEO in early 2021 and became our Interim Chief Executive in July 2022.

She has worked within the social housing sector for 30 years and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Housing and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Strategic Management. Her experience of various leadership roles across the sector makes her the ideal person to head our Executive Leadership Team.

At home, Jacque enjoys spending time with her three sons, walking her dogs and enjoying various equestrian pursuits.

Jacque Allen Headshot Values Conference March 2023
Darren Halliwell

Chief Information Officer

Darren joined YHG in March of 2022 having successfully led Digital, Data, Transformation and Technology departments across a number of industry sectors both public and private for over 20 years, including as ICT Director at Your Housing Group between 2018 and 2021. He’s also an accomplished public speaker.

Darren’s role is to safeguard and develop all YHG’s systems and data, ensuring compliance and availability of technology services at all times. His guidance and experience will continue to empower colleagues and improve the day-to-day experience of colleagues and customers who increasingly rely on YHG’s growing portfolio of digital services.

In his spare time Darren enjoys regularly attending the gym, gardening and is an avid supporter of Blackburn Rovers.

Headshot - Darren Halliwell 2022
Clare Oakley

Executive Director of Corporate Services

Clare held senior governance positions at both the Co-op and the Federation of Small Business, before joining Your Housing Group in 2017. She has also worked as a Project Lead for public service projects, reporting to the Government and the Cabinet Office.

Clare’s role is to advise the Board and Executive on all aspects of Governance and legal and regulatory compliance. She holds overall responsibility for Governance, Risk and Assurance, Health and Safety, HR and Procurement while contributing to decision-making about all areas of the Groups operations. Her mission is to ensure that YHG is well-governed and meets legal and regulatory requirements for the benefit of customers, employees and wider stakeholders.

Away from YHG, Clare is an amateur rower and likes to spend her spare time on the river, walking with her dog or cooking for friends and family.

Headshot Clare Oakley
Kal Kay

Chief Financial Officer

Kal joined YHG in October 2023 having started out her career in the private sector. The last 20 years, however, have been spent working across the public and not-for-profit sector, holding senior finance roles in Local Government, Health, Charities, Housing, and Education.

Responsible for ongoing financial sustainability and viability and identifying and implementing operational improvements and business development opportunities. All the while, embracing our culture of continuous improvement to support Value for Money throughout our organisation, Kal will be helping to shape the new strategy and enable the aspirations of the Group through finance and growth.

Outside of the world of finance, Kal is a keen fitness enthusiast and likes to start her day lifting heavy weights at the gym and enjoys going for walks in the evenings and on weekends.

Adding some balance to that though, Kal also really enjoys listening to music and as a mum of three and a new nana, loves to spend time with her family and friends.

Kal Kay

Senior Leadership Team

Lorraine has worked in a construction environment for more than thirty years, she is responsible for the delivery of the Group's Growth Strategy.

Lorraine has spent the majority of her career working in construction, starting work in a busy estimating department for Balfour Beatty Civil Engineers in 1988. This early experience helped her to develop her love of working in a busy, thriving construction environment so to land a job in the development team back in 1994 to mix construction and housing was the start of her dream career for her. During her 29 years working for the Group she has had a number of roles within the team, before taking up the role of Director of Development in the summer of 2015, with overall responsibility to deliver the growth aspirations and provide quality homes that we can be really proud of.

When she’s not at work… Lorraine spends lots of time with her family and friends not forgetting her dog Barney, she loves visiting places to tick off her bucket list and holds a season ticket holder at Everton FC.

 

Headshot Lorraine Donnelly

Paula joined YHG in March 2020 and is the Director of Housing & Customer Service. Paula has worked in social housing for thirty years for a number of social housing providers across the north west and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Paula is responsible for all the front line housing and customer services teams. She is passionate about continually improving our service offer to customers and working with residents and our Customer Services Committee (CSC) to ensure that we are meeting the right standards as set by the government and our residents. She also reports to our CSC and customers on the performance of our teams.

Away from work Paula is kept busy with her family, including a young grandson, she enjoys walking and cooking and has a passion for far flung travel when possible.

Headshot Paula Marshall

Helen joined YHG in June 2021 as Financial Controller, and since January 2023 she has become the permanent Finance Director.

Helen has worked in the Social Housing Sector for more than twenty years carrying out numerous finance roles. For the last ten years she has worked in a senior finance position. As a qualified Accountant and someone who has continued to study, she has a passion for learning and development.

Outside of work, Helen is kept busy with a number of governor roles at a local college and special needs high school, as well as spending time with family and friends and travelling as much as she can.

Helen Whittingham

Conan joined YHG in July 2020 and is the Director of Asset Management. He has worked in Social Housing for over twenty five years for several housing providers all across the country.

Conan has responsibility for asset strategy, planned investment, repairs & maintenance, compliance & building safety. He is committed to providing safe, well maintained and energy efficient homes for our customers.

Outside of work Conan lives with his wife and three young children where in amongst trips out with his family he enjoys watching Rugby and is a Board Member for the Beamish Museum & LHC Procurement Group.

Conan Mckinley

Shabana has worked in the Internal Audit & Risk Management field for over 20 years and is responsible for the Groups Risk, Assurance & Performance arrangements which includes Policy & Research and Operational improvement.

Shabana has worked in the Housing sector for 9 years and is passionate about serving the sector well and making a positive contribution to the lives of others.

She is also the founder and Co–Chair of YHG’s Balance for Better Group which focuses on all areas of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion through encouraging staff collaboration, celebrating differences and knowledge sharing with others.

When she’s not at work... Shabana loves to have some down time with her family and friends.  She is also a keen gardener and enjoys long walks and strength training at the gym. 

Shabana Hameed 2823 Large
Lorraine Donnelly

Lorraine has worked in a construction environment for more than thirty years, she is responsible for the delivery of the Group's Growth Strategy.

Lorraine has spent the majority of her career working in construction, starting work in a busy estimating department for Balfour Beatty Civil Engineers in 1988. This early experience helped her to develop her love of working in a busy, thriving construction environment so to land a job in the development team back in 1994 to mix construction and housing was the start of her dream career for her. During her 29 years working for the Group she has had a number of roles within the team, before taking up the role of Director of Development in the summer of 2015, with overall responsibility to deliver the growth aspirations and provide quality homes that we can be really proud of.

When she’s not at work… Lorraine spends lots of time with her family and friends not forgetting her dog Barney, she loves visiting places to tick off her bucket list and holds a season ticket holder at Everton FC.

 

Headshot Lorraine Donnelly
Paula Marshall

Paula joined YHG in March 2020 and is the Director of Housing & Customer Service. Paula has worked in social housing for thirty years for a number of social housing providers across the north west and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Paula is responsible for all the front line housing and customer services teams. She is passionate about continually improving our service offer to customers and working with residents and our Customer Services Committee (CSC) to ensure that we are meeting the right standards as set by the government and our residents. She also reports to our CSC and customers on the performance of our teams.

Away from work Paula is kept busy with her family, including a young grandson, she enjoys walking and cooking and has a passion for far flung travel when possible.

Headshot Paula Marshall
Helen Whittingham

Helen joined YHG in June 2021 as Financial Controller, and since January 2023 she has become the permanent Finance Director.

Helen has worked in the Social Housing Sector for more than twenty years carrying out numerous finance roles. For the last ten years she has worked in a senior finance position. As a qualified Accountant and someone who has continued to study, she has a passion for learning and development.

Outside of work, Helen is kept busy with a number of governor roles at a local college and special needs high school, as well as spending time with family and friends and travelling as much as she can.

Helen Whittingham
Conan McKinley

Conan joined YHG in July 2020 and is the Director of Asset Management. He has worked in Social Housing for over twenty five years for several housing providers all across the country.

Conan has responsibility for asset strategy, planned investment, repairs & maintenance, compliance & building safety. He is committed to providing safe, well maintained and energy efficient homes for our customers.

Outside of work Conan lives with his wife and three young children where in amongst trips out with his family he enjoys watching Rugby and is a Board Member for the Beamish Museum & LHC Procurement Group.

Conan Mckinley
Shabana Hameed

Shabana has worked in the Internal Audit & Risk Management field for over 20 years and is responsible for the Groups Risk, Assurance & Performance arrangements which includes Policy & Research and Operational improvement.

Shabana has worked in the Housing sector for 9 years and is passionate about serving the sector well and making a positive contribution to the lives of others.

She is also the founder and Co–Chair of YHG’s Balance for Better Group which focuses on all areas of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion through encouraging staff collaboration, celebrating differences and knowledge sharing with others.

When she’s not at work... Shabana loves to have some down time with her family and friends.  She is also a keen gardener and enjoys long walks and strength training at the gym. 

Shabana Hameed 2823 Large