Housing group Accord brings in outside expertise
SOCIAL housing group Accord has drafted in additional expertise in the shape of four new non-executive directors.
The West Bromwich-based firm, which also provides a social care service, has added experience from both public and private sectors.
Joining the Accord Group board are Simon Eastwood, managing director of Carillion Developments, Elisabeth Buggins, CBE, chair of Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, Henry Foster, chair of Heantun Housing Association and Dr Lola Abudu, consultant in public health for Public Health England.
Eastwood brings a comprehensive background in the construction, service and facilities industries, with his current role at Carillion seeing him take overall responsibility for the property development business which undertakes property schemes throughout the UK and Canada, as well as serving as a trustee of a number of Carillion’s pension schemes.
He is also a board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) with a keen interest in planning and work funding.
Buggins has held several senior positions within the NHS during her career, including 18 years within the voluntary sector and holding the position of chair of the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority for nine years.
Foster has extensive experience within the NHS having retired as chief executive for the NHS in Dudley following a 38 year career of which 22 were spent as general manager/chief executive in three health regions.
Henry became chair of Heantun Housing Association in 2009, having joined the board in 2006.
Abudu has a long-standing career in the public health sector with experience of primary care trust (PCT) boards having been the director of planning and partnership for Worcestershire PCT.
Dr Chris Handy OBE, Accord Group chief executive, said: “The new non-executive directors are a great addition to our group board, bringing a combination of skills, interests and experience across multiple sectors, which complements our values and vision.
“Along with our existing group board members, they will contribute to our strategic direction helping us deliver on our ambitions for the future as well as helping to influence key stakeholders.”
