Welcome from Tim Johnston, Board Chair

Thank you for your interest in joining us as one of our two new Non-executive Directors.

I joined Onward as Chair in 2021 and I am proud to work for an organisation with so much purpose and with such capable, committed people. I hope that this website provides you with all the information you need at this stage and that you will share our excitement about the impact you can have at Onward as we continue to grow and make a real difference to our customers.

A significant amount of positive progress has taken place at Onward over the past couple of years. Our plan to create one organisation came to fruition, and a comprehensive restructure of the governance, management and operation of the organisation was completed. Since then we have been able to realise the financial strength of our united organisation, and we secured a £215m bond and a top credit rating of A1 (Stable) from Moody’s. The fact that we achieved what at the time was the lowest ever long-term margin for a UK housing provider highlights our strong balance sheet, low debt and strong liquidity.

It's an excellent time to be joining our Board. One of the opportunities is for an expert in property asset management – a professional with strategic leadership experience gained in  organisations with a complex property portfolio similar to ours. A surveying background would be of value, and we welcome hearing from you whether you’re an aspiring or established non-executive. Social housing experience is not essential for either of the roles we are looking to appoint to.

For the second opportunity, this is ideally suited to candidates with extensive insight into how regulated boards and organisations work most effectively. Your strategic expertise may have been enhanced by a similar board role within the public or non-profit sectors, and it’s likely that you’ll bring to Onward extensive insight into governance, the wider people agenda, or similar. Experience of large, complex, customer-centric environments would be highly advantageous.

We have achieved a considerable amount in recent years, although there is still much more for us to do. We are committed to using our resources for the benefit of our customers in Onward’s 35,000 homes across the North West, as well as a sustained programme of building new homes to respond to housing need across our region.

You will be joining an organisation which is moving forward and which can enable you to further your own personal development. If you think you’re right for us, please do apply. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Tim Johnston