I believe the foundation of a good life is a secure, safe home and that was the same 125 years ago as it is now. We take pride that Southern Housing has kept to that mission for 125 years.
If Samuel Lewis was able to see what we’ve achieved, I think he'd be absolutely thrilled that we’re still here and still doing what he set out to do. I also think he’d be disappointed that as a nation there is still such an enormous housing need. But I think he'd be happy with our approach, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do.
Whilst it's important to look back, it's also a moment to look forward. As a social landlord we must continuously ask ourselves what more we can do to ensure the homes we provide are safe, comfortable and create the basis of good life for our residents.
"I’m proud of my colleagues at Southern Housing, and I’m proud of our history. But I’m never quite satisfied with where we are now. We know there are many ways we can continue to improve and build on what we’re doing."
Our new strategic plan is really clear about our priorities. We’ve a huge focus on our repairs service. It's the one area we know from our residents that they really want us to improve, and we’re working hard to deliver.
Secondly, to support our future, we've got to be financially secure and robust. If we want to be here in 125 years, then one of our priorities must be strengthening our finances. Like the first Samuel Lewis Trust we’re a charitable organisation, and so it’s important we focus on efficiencies.
Thirdly, we want to be a C1 organisation, a consumer standards top category organisation, delivering fantastic services to our residents.
" I joined Southern Housing because it’s an organisation for whom the resident is really at the heart of everything."
We've got four residents on our board, residents on our new resident experience committee, on our local panels and contributing in many ways. Because if we really want to excel, we can only do it if we hear from our residents and then act upon their guidance, advice, concerns and suggestions.
Finally, I’d like to say thank you to our residents for sticking with us while we're on our journey of improvement. Together, we’re building on the legacy of Samuel Lewis, for a future of providing safe and secure homes to those who need them most.