Annual meeting sets roadmap for the year ahead

Residents, shareholders and Board members were offered an insight into the organisation’s performance and future plans during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Plymouth Community Homes held last week.

Presentations from senior staff included a summary of the organisation’s annual report, detailing performance of services for residents, and updates on development projects. 

Opening remarks for the meeting from Chair of the PCH Board, Valerie Lee, highlighted the importance of championing the voice of PCH’s residents, and the learnings from the recent Grenfell Tower Inquiry to ensure every voice is heard.

There was recognition for works undertaken in many areas of PCH’s services, including overall satisfaction levels recorded in the new Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs), which are among the highest in the sector at 85%.

Additionally, 88% of repairs, consisting of 74,000 jobs, were completed on time, whilst 93% of damp and mould inspections were conducted within 14 days. This has been a real focus in supporting residents and an improvement on last year’s figures and falls into a continuing years-long trend of decreased waiting times for repairs generally.

Chief Executive Jonathan Cowie talked about performance over the last year before Nick Jackson, Executive Director of Business Services and Development, presented the annual financial accounts. Alice Potter, Communities Team Manager, updated those attending on work in resident engagement.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on areas in which PCH’s performance can be improved. Measures are underway to work more closely with residents on jointly tackling anti-social behaviour. Additionally, more work is underway on keeping residents informed on the progress of repairs and queries more regularly, which was also an area earmarked for improvement.

Residents in attendance were encouraged to share their experience and views on PCH’s performance, and where improvements ought to be made from their perspective.

For Plymouth Community Homes CEO, Jonathan Cowie, the meeting not only offered an excellent chance to meet with residents but this month also marked Jonathan’s first full year in his role as CEO.

Jonathan said: “I am proud of the work we have done in the last 12 months, and I’m also excited about our plans for the future.

“We have been working hard to make sure our residents’ priorities are driving our plans for improvement and investment in their homes. 

Jonathan added: “While I may not be a Janner quite yet, I have been so appreciative of the amazing welcome and I am genuinely excited by the prospect of investing to help improve the lives and communities in Plymouth and beyond.”