Published: 02 October 2023
Dear customers,
I want to introduce myself to you as the new Chief Executive of RBH. My name is Amanda Newton and this is my third week in post. I’m busy getting up to speed and learning about RBH and Rochdale so that I can work with the RBH team to do the very best for you, the people who live in our homes.
I’ve worked in the housing sector for the best part of 20 years, much of that time has been in roles working with customers. My background has always been in customer service, it’s something I’m passionate about and I am committed to ensuring excellent customer service is provided to all of our customers living in our homes. I understand how tough things are at the moment with the cost of living crisis and I want to reassure you that we are here to help.
I believe that people have the right to live in safe and secure homes, and my first priority is to ensure that we build back confidence and trust. We are on the road to recovery and have made some real progress in the past nine months on things like understanding the condition of our homes, investing in improvements, and listening to you, our customers. We can always do more and if you think there is something we can improve, we want to hear from you.
There are many ways to get involved with RBH and we’d love you to be part of this. Visit www.rbh.org.uk/getinvolved to find out more or email us at engagement@rbh.org.uk.
Part of the work we are doing requires us to make some changes to strengthen our governance arrangements so that we can comply with the expectations of our regulator. We are very committed to our mutual model and making this work for the people who live in our homes. The changes being proposed will give more power to our Representative Body to scrutinise our work and to hold the Board of RBH to account for the delivery of excellent services to our customers. There will be opportunities for interested Members to get involved with this work.
Details of these changes can be found on our website and we are currently in a period of engagement with our Members. Please visit www.rbh.org.uk/rulechanges to find out more.
We now have a new Board in place and we’ve also included a new Customer Services Committee that is part of our governance structure. This committee is made up of three RBH Board Members and will soon include three customers (at least two of which must be tenants) which we are out to recruit for now. This is a paid role with applications via www.rbh.org.uk/csc. Please take a look and if you would like to discuss the opportunity let us know by emailing us at customercommittee@rbh.org.uk or calling us on 0800 027 7769.
There is a lot happening and a lot still to do and I am keen to talk to customers along the way. I am looking forward to this new challenge and to working together to bring to life our mutuality and build a positive future for RBH and the people of Rochdale.
Kind regards,
Amanda Newton - RBH Chief Executive
