Why become a board member?
09/10/08
Claire Martin is Head of the Supporting People Team at Kent County Council and Vice-Chair of the CIH South East committee. Here she explains why she's more than happy to also commit her time and energy to being a housing association board member.
'When I left the Housing Corporation in November 1992 I was approached by a couple of housing associations to become a committee member. I started out on a committee devoted to performance monitoring, and service user involvement and consultation. I became a board member in 1996, and later Chair, for a housing association that merged with London and Quadrant Housing Group. And so I became a London and Quadrant board member.
'I have since been involved in another merger and acquisition for London and Quadrant, subsequently chairing its subsidiary. And I have been part of its governance review, and involved in recruiting its new Chief Executive. I have undertaken estate visits, inspected new development sites, taken part in complaints appeals panels, and residents award and design award events. I have also worked closely with London and Quadrant's regeneration team, which was a fantastic experience.
'It has been an enormous privilege to work with excellent officers and board members. I have been given the opportunity to help with their Audit Commission inspection, and acquiring their Charter Mark. The training opportunities have been second to none for board members. The great thing is that we are challenged, intellectually stimulated, but also have terrific fun. The sense of recognition that these give to us as board members is just great.
'All in all, my experience has been challenging and enriching, and I would encourage anybody who is thinking of board membership to seriously consider it. The truth is, you get as much as you give.'