New Chief Executive already making her mark
Released: 31 January 2007
Lesley Roberts, the new chief executive of Wolverhampton Homes, doesn’t officially start work until March 5, but she is already making her mark on the organisation. Ms Roberts has spent time in the city getting to know staff and the board of the Wolverhampton Homes. The Audit Commission have also agreed to her request to put back their inspection of Wolverhampton Homes to give her time to settle into the job.
The inspection was due to take place in May, but the commission agreed that two months was not long enough for Ms Roberts to properly prepare for the visit. The inspection will now take place on the next available date which is during September.
A successful inspection is vital if Wolverhampton Homes is to unlock £288million from central Government to bring properties up to the Decent Homes Standard. A two-star rating is required from the Audit Commission for the Government to release the money.
Ms Roberts comes to Wolverhampton with an excellent track record of success. She currently works at Hounslow Homes where she has led the inspection process that resulted in a three star ‘excellent’ rating.
Councillor Pat Byrne, chairman of Wolverhampton Homes, said: “The Audit Commission is usually unwilling to change inspection dates, but they have recognised that our new chief executive needs time to settle into her role.
“Lesley has indicated that for Wolverhampton Homes to benefit from her experience, she needs to be involved in every aspect of the inspection preparations including checking that all the documents that need to be submitted to the Audit Commission are up to scratch.
“Timing, as they say, is everything and with so much at stake for the tenants of Wolverhampton we believe that it is essential to use every possible advantage – including the knowledge and experiences Lesley can bring, to achieve a successful inspection result.
“The change in the timing of the inspection will not stop Wolverhampton Homes from starting work on the decent homes programme in the spring. We are absolutely confident that in September we will achieve the essential two-star rating we need to receive the £288million funding promised by the Government for the decent homes works. This will enable a rapid acceleration of the programme from autumn onwards.
“We are looking forward to Lesley’s arrival at Wolverhampton Homes and helping the organisation achieve the excellent standards that tenants deserve and the staff wish to deliver. 2007 will be a year of celebration for us all.”
Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Lesley to the city and I am confident that she is the right person to get Wolverhampton Homes where it needs to be. I think it makes obvious sense that the Audit Commission inspection has been rescheduled to give Lesley a chance to get her feet under the table.”
Issued by the press office.