Salix Homes appoints three new Board members

Salix Homes has appointed three new members to our Board.

Philip Johnson, Martin Warhurst and Charlotte Haines are the latest recruits to join our 10-strong Board of non-executive directors.

The Salix Homes Board is the main decision-making body for our organisation, with responsibility for our strategic direction. The Board is accountable for performance across our full range of responsibilities and services.

Philip Johnson is our new Chair of Assets and Sustainability. He is a Chartered Building Surveyor and has more than 35 years’ experience working in the social housing sector, where his remit has included repairs and maintenance, planned investment, compliance, sustainability, regeneration and development.

Philip said: “I am delighted to be joining the Salix Homes’ Board and look forward to bringing my experience in leading the Assets and Sustainability Committee, as well as supporting the delivery of the new Corporate Plan.”

Martin Warhurst is the new Chair of our Audit and Risk Committee. He is a Chartered Accountant and has more than 23 years’ experience in the social housing sector, with a particular passion for accessible, lifetime homes in inclusive communities. Martin is currently Chief Financial Officer at Habinteg Housing Association.  Previously, Martin was the Executive Director of Resources at Wakefield District Housing Association, and has held high profile positions in several other housing associations and charities.

Martin said: “I am delighted to be joining Salix Homes at this exciting time.  I look forward to working with the Board and colleagues at Salix Homes to deliver the Corporate Plan and respond positively to the challenging environment the sector operates in at the present time and into the future.”

Charlotte Haines has been the Chair of our Customer Committee since 2021, and initially joined the Board as a co-optee, before recently being appointed as a full Board Member. As a Salix Homes customer, mum-of-four Charlotte brings lived, customer experience to the Board and is passionate about being a voice for our customers.

She said: “As a newly appointed full board member for Salix Homes, I am thrilled to contribute to shaping the future of our community. It’s not just a seat at the table; it’s a voice and a vote for every resident. I believe in the power of collaboration and am dedicated to ensuring that the customers’ perspective is not only heard, but also influences the decisions that impact us all.”

Philip and Martin replace outgoing Board members Paul Whitehead and Greig Lees, who had reached the end of their term on the Board. Both Paul and Greig had served on the Board since 2015, playing an instrumental role in leading and advising our organisation.

Jim Battle, Chair of the Salix Homes Board, said: “I’d like to welcome Philip, Martin and Charlotte to the Salix Homes Board, who all bring with them a wealth of skills, expertise and knowledge, which will help further strengthen our Board, enabling us to meet the challenges and opportunities we face, both as an organisation and across the sector.

“As we have recently launched our new Corporate Plan, setting the strategic direction for our organisation, I’m confident that our new members will be a real asset to the Board, helping to lead Salix Homes on to the next stage of our journey.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Board members, Paul Whitehead and Greig Lees, for their years of service and dedication.”