Who got that job?

What made you decide to apply?
A combination of issues: it was a much bigger association; a group that was active in the Thames Gateway and Hastings; it offered the potential for development and regeneration, the chance to really grow Amicus as an organisation and it was a chance to return to my roots – I was brought up in the Medway.

What do you hope to achieve?
There are about 2000 associations and I want Amicus to stand out from that crowd. This might be by doing things better, being more customer-focused, achieving value for money or excellent performance, being innovative and shaping the policy debate.

My plans are all about how we build on the success of Amicus to date and ensure we do really make a difference in the areas we work.

What do you think will be the greatest challenge?
My previous jobs have given me a very solid grounding so I'm not expecting the role to be significantly different. It's a bigger organisation and operating over a bigger area, though; the big challenge will be making sure Amicus can grow and deliver the right services to its members while at the same time meeting the huge housing and social challenges in the South-east.

What do you see as the biggest challenges for the sector right now?
Building homes, ensuring existing homes in all tenures are well maintained and ensuring that we provide really high-quality customer services. Some of these are in conflict, as subsidy for development can mean less money for decent homes work or services.

The challenge for Amicus will be how best to meet these conflicting pressures and make sure that we achieve all of them.

Where do you see yourself and Amicus in 10 years' time?
I am certain Amicus will be a major player in housing and other related businesses across the South-east, playing a key role in the Thames Gateway, the regeneration of Hastings and making a real difference to people's lives.

For myself, I like to think I'll be playing tenor sax at Ronnie Scott's but that may be one ambition I'm not going to achieve.