Phoenix’s third tenant Chair Carmen Simpson announced she will be stepping down at this year’s annual general meeting (AGM) after three years as chair of the board - passionately championing our resident-led model and ensuring all residents are heard.

Carmen became involved in Phoenix after years of experience in resident involvement and housing management in Lewisham and Southwark. She was elected as Chair of Phoenix in September 2021 and previously served as Vice Chair from 2016-2021.

Since becoming Chair, Carmen has presided over embedding the Phoenix Gateway into our Governance Structure and removing barriers for residents to get involved, the introduction of our new patched based approach, Community Links, Grove Park acquisition and bringing our repairs service in-house

Carmen said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chair on the Phoenix Board, seeing how much we have grown – from welcoming residents from Grove Park and work starting on Lewisham’s first intergenerational new homes to being one of the first housing association to receive a C1 for the new consumer standards.

“I’ve always been passionate about ensuring all residents have the opportunity to have a say on issues that impact on their lives, so I look forward to remaining an involved resident at Phoenix.” 

Carmen’s successor will be confirmed at our Board meeting in October, and our rules remain that the Chair must be a Phoenix tenant. 

At the AGM, residents approved the minutes of last year’s meeting, accepted the annual report, and approved the re-appointment of Beever and Struthers as external auditors.  

Residents also put questions to senior management about fly tipping, safety in the community, creating communities we can be proud of, and planned works. 

We’re resident-led which means there are lots of ways for residents to get involved and have their say all year round. Residents can get involved by becoming a shareholding member or by keeping an eye out for consultation events on our event page.