He will be working with the Board to ensure the delivery of excellent housing, neighbourhood and repair services for tenants and residents in Rochford, Rayleigh and nearby areas.

The not-for-profit Rochford Housing Association, a new subsidiary of Hereward Housing, will bring a cash-injection of some £40 million to the area over the next five years with work to improve homes and services.

Rochford HA will be part of an innovative three tier structure within Sanctuary Housing Group. This ensures that there is local accountability for services but also that Rochford benefits from being part of one of the sector’s leading national players.

Simon, 41, graduated with a BA Honours degree in housing from the University of Bristol and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing. He has worked in affordable housing for the past 18 years. He played a key role in West Kent Housing’s Audit Commission inspection in 2006 when they were awarded three stars with excellent prospects for improvement.

Simon was born in Rochford and lives in Benfleet. He is married and has three young sons under the age of 11.

5 April 2007