BCHA is a charitable provider of social housing registered with and regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing. Despite our name and origins, we are a secular organisation welcoming people of all faiths and none but our five values of the importance of every individual, outstanding service, team work, personal integrity and professional competence acting as a strong driver for all we do.
We own or manage approximately 1400 homes for rent or low cost home ownership for people who are homeless, on low incomes or otherwise in housing or social need. Our operations span the south west with particular focus in and around Bournemouth-Christchurch-Poole, Exeter, Plymouth and Yeovil.
Our homes are a mixture of short and long stay, the latter often receiving funding from local authorities and other statutory agencies to support people to manage crisis, maintain their tenancies, acquire lifeskills and move on to more permanent accommodation.
We provide a range of other services such as community-based support for people with mental health issues, victims of domestic abuse as well as adult learning programmes to equip people with the skills and confidence to improve their employability and well-being.
Our customer-centred support is underpinned by the principles of Psychologically Informed Environments and Trauma Informed Care. We believe this approach to be more effective in achieving outcomes for our customers rather than repeat cycles of homelessness.
We passionately believe in working in partnership with our customers to co-produce the design and delivery of services to ensure these meet the needs of those who use services now or in the future.
Our biggest asset is our staff team which has a strong commitment to going the extra mile for our customers. Each year we recognise and celebrate the achievements of many colleagues and teams in living our values and advancing our mission. We are proud that on occasion our teams receive national or regional recognition for the work they do in winning or being short-listed for a range of awards.
Whilst our cause is worthwhile, our colleagues are committed and our services are customer-focussed, today’s landscape is extremely challenging. The work of our board of management, all volunteers, in navigating the business through these challenges requires tenacity, enthusiasm, patience and wisdom which is why the work they do is of great benefit to us.
Why the BCHA is supporting Boardroom Apprentice
BCHA has been incredibly fortunate over the years to have had many skilled and experienced individuals serve on its board. With the relatively recent introduction of a shorter term of service of 6 years, it is vital that BCHA plays its part in nurturing tomorrow’s board members – for ourselves and for our sector. We are excited to be taking part in the Boardroom Apprentice programme to help develop people who do not have experience on boards at the present. We recognise this will have a broader benefit for society creating a bigger pool of individuals passionate about serving on boards and particularly to build more diverse boards. We are really looking forwards to being part of the programme for 2024.
Location of Board and Committee Meetings
Mostly on-line but some meetings held in Bournemouth/Poole
Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings
Board meets quarterly, early evenings usually 4.30-7.00pm
Committees meet quarterly generally usually 1-3 pm
Date of Board Meetings (January 2024 – December 2024)
Board meetings – 29 feb, 16 may, 8 Aug, 7 Nov; Board away days 23 May and 11 Oct
Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (January 2024 – December 2024)
These are set but may be flexed to suit member availability. There are three committees and also task and finish groups so we can advise of these dates at a later time
