Tony Hall, Chief Executive of Freebridge Community Housing, has announced he will be retiring after almost 14 years at the helm of the West Norfolk housing and community organisation.
Andy Walder, Chair of Freebridge said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Tony for everything he has achieved for the organisation over the last 14 years. It has been a pleasure to work with him and he will be greatly missed.
“We look forward to beginning the search for our next chief executive. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to make a real difference in West Norfolk and deliver our strategic goals.”
Tony, who led the setting up of Freebridge in April 2006, plans to step down in autumn this year. He said:
“After 14 years, I feel that I have completed the work I originally set out to do at Freebridge. Being chief executive, working with a great team of people, making a difference in our communities, has been the greatest professional joy of my life.
“I will be leaving a great organisation, with a strong board and leadership team and a committed, professional group of employees who are working hard to deliver great services for our customers and communities.”
Tony was previously Director of Community with the Borough Council and oversaw the transfer of almost 7,000 homes to the newly established Freebridge in April 2006. Since then the organisation has made an impact through activities such as the decent homes improvement programme, the regeneration of Hillington Square, taking over the ownership and management of Providence Street Community Centre and the Discovery Centre, and developing many new homes.
Freebridge has placed on the Sunday Times Top 100 list on three occasions. And, it has received the highest ratings for governance and viability from the social housing regulator.
The organisation is committed to its vision of Supporting a Better West Norfolk, and delivering its strategic goals of:
– More and diverse homes to meet the needs of a wider group of people – Empowering people to be the best they can be – Delivering a high performing housing service.
Recruitment will begin shortly for Tony’s replacement and it is hoped that the new chief executive will be announced later this spring. Details of the role, including how to apply, will be announced on the Freebridge website shortly, www.freebridge.org.uk
Caption: Andy Walder, Chair of Freebridge (l) and Tony Hall, Chief Executive of Freebridge Community Housing (r)
