Board members at Solihull Care Housing Association are responsible for ensuring that everything we do reflects our vision and values, placing residents at the heart of our work. They set the strategic direction of the organisation, safeguard strong governance and financial stability, and ensure we meet all regulatory standards.
Working together, the Board supports and constructively challenges the team to deliver safe, high‑quality homes and compassionate, person‑centred services.
Board members are committed to acting with integrity, accountability and respect, promoting inclusion and community wellbeing, and making decisions that support our long‑term sustainability and the needs of those we serve.
Meet our Board Members:
Adrian Evans – Chair
Adrian is an experienced senior leader whose career spans more than 40 years across special education, public service, and organisational governance. He has worked as a senior manager within the Prison Service, a National Contract Manager for a major North West college group, as UK lead of a National Charity and now operates as an independent consultant advising specialist colleges on quality improvement and preparation for Ofsted inspection.
A qualified teacher, Adrian also holds a postgraduate qualification in leadership from Lancaster University. His executive career includes roles such as College Principal, Director of Education, Chair of a multi‑academy trust, and voluntary Chair of a wildlife charity. He has recently completed three years as Chair of Aspire Living in Hereford and Worcester, further demonstrating his commitment to community leadership and high‑quality provision for vulnerable adults.
Adrian brings extensive expertise in contract management and commissioning for services supporting adults and young people with complex needs, including social, emotional and mental health (SEMH), autism, profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and sensory impairment. He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, reflecting his broader professional engagement with supported living, community provision, and the wider social care landscape.
Mugabe Reid – Trustee
Mugabe has extensive experience as an engineer, working for more than 15 years in the facilities management and building services sectors. He is a keen advocate for finding sustainable solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of a business and has qualifications in the gas, air conditioning and electrical industries. Mugabe’s knowledge and skills can help SCHA to develop future sustainable operations, while offering value for money to customers.
Mugabe is an Associate Governance Practitioner, providing him with a strong foundation as an effective Board Trustee, where he can utilise his knowledge and experience to the best of his ability to benefit SCHA.
Katie Smart – Trustee
Katie has over 20 years’ experience in social care and housing across council‑operated services, supported housing and social housing organisations. She currently leads Independent Living Services, including extra care, sheltered and supported living for older and vulnerable people, and has held roles as Safeguarding Lead and CQC Nominated Individual.
She brings strong operational and strategic leadership, with extensive experience in service restructures, TUPE transfers and driving quality and performance improvements. Katie is now taking the lead on complaints and Housing Ombudsman activity and will hold responsibility for Contact Centre services, Customer Influence and Engagement, ensuring customer feedback shapes service improvement and decision-making. . She is passionate about listening to customer feedback, learning from it, and ensuring services get it right first time for customers.
Katie is committed to enabling people to live independently, safely and as part of thriving communities. She holds a BA in Social Welfare from the University of Worcester and a CMI Level 7 qualification in Leadership and Management and is currently undertaking a CIH Level 5 in Housing qualification.
Danny Thomas – Trustee
Danny is a former professional footballer who has made the transition into another career. He’s currently working within another housing association.
In 2021, Danny completed The Governance Certificate Course – Effective Board Member, reaching the required exam pass mark. Danny is now an Affiliate Member of The Association of Corporate Governance Practitioners.
With vast experience gained through time spent working in the property industry and also knowledge within corporate governance, he now wishes to utilise this information to make a difference within the boardroom.
Danny aligns himself with SCHA’s values, teamwork and community work, aspiring to make a positive difference now and in the future.
Chris Oakley – Trustee
Chris is an experienced construction professional and director born and raised in Solihull. He is currently the Managing Director of a construction company and property development business and has over 19 years’ experience in cost control & commercial management within the construction industry.
Chris is a keen advocate for Sustainable construction techniques and carbon reduction schemes, having been involved in the design and development of schemes ensuring whole lifecycle techniques, longevity and net-zero targets are all considered when maintaining and improving buildings.
Having spend 10 years managing businesses, Chris has a wealth of experience in corporate governance and health and safety laws and is keen to use this knowledge to assist SCHA in maintaining high levels of safety and support for the residents.
Chris shares the values of the SCHA and has a keen interest in helping the local community and other not for profit associations.
Georgina Penfold – Trustee
George is an ESG and commercial strategy specialist, originally trained in environmental due diligence and carbon management, with senior leadership experience across compliance, cleantech, procurement, and government relations.
A strong advocate for accessibility and inclusion, she has supported community initiatives including Glastonbury Festival’s disabled access programme. An INSEAD Executive MBA graduate, George combines commercial rigour with a human approach, focusing on long‑term relationships over hard selling. She also writes The Good Business Blog and serves as an advisor and non‑executive director.
Dee Rowe – Trustee
Dee has over 40 years’ experience in senior financial management. She is a strategic financial and management accountant, with extensive expertise in company secretariat functions at board level across both private and public sector organisations.
Dee also brings significant NHS senior financial experience and was selected to support the Birmingham group of NHS hospitals in achieving Foundation Trust status.
Aligned with SCHA’s values, Dee has managed SCHA’s finances and investments since 2019 in her role as Finance Manager. She now looks forward to continuing her support for SCHA by providing continuity and leadership as Finance Committee lead.