People First Housing Association was formed in 1993 when a group of residents in Hulme, Manchester decided to take control of the future of their tenancies.
By April 1995 the association was managing its first properties and by January 1996 it had achieved registration with the Housing Corporation.
The association now owns and manages in the region of 300 properties of various sizes in Hulme and its tenants are encouraged to get actively involved in making decisions about the future of People First and their homes by becoming Board members or helping with continuous reviews of policies. People First also provides and manages temporary accommodation for households presenting as homeless in partnership with Vale Royal council.
In addition to the housing management services the association provides People First HA now has an established and well respected Community Support Service operating across 4 local authorities and working with vulnerable people with a range of needs.
Organisational Chart
People First is proud of the organic growth it has achieved throughout its history.
This is an exciting time for the association, which recently created a new Business Support Unit to facilitate its growth.
Click on the image to open a PDF document of People First's organisational chart.
Board of Management
People First is governed by a Board of Management made up of tenants and professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure the association is managed effectively.
The Board meets approximately every two months and examines papers prepared by the Executive Team on strategic issues of importance. People First is one of a handful of associations which encourage tenants to be actively involved through membership of the Board of Management.
Adrian Lohrey, CHAIR
Tenant
Insurance Arranger, Age Concern
Board member since 1993
"I came to Manchester in 1979 to study at the then Polytechnic. I moved into Hulme in the following year and have lived in the area for 27 years. I was involved in the first discussions about the redevelopment of the area and the establishment of a community based Housing Association.
People First was born out of this renewal process and has grown since then. I am pleased with the progress the Association has made in the intervening period. I hope the community will continue to support us as they have in the past."
Cym D'Souza, TREASURER
Chief Executive, Arawak Walton HA
Board Member since 1994
"I have been involved in social housing since 1987 and am committed to tenant empowerment. It is essential that People First as a tenant-led association, remains successful and viable. I can bring skills and experience to the Board to assist the association in achieving its aims and objectives. As a Chief Executive of a relatively small and new housing association, I understand the many challenges associated with running an organisation like People First. In addition, as a qualified Chartered Accountant, I have financial skills that can be utilised by the association’s Chief Executive and Board Members." (Candidate Re-election Statement, 2006)
John Hepplestone
Solicitor
Board Member since 1995
John has been a valued member of People First HA since 1995. He is a Manchester man, born and bred. He has worked in the City for more than 25 years as a solicitor dealing with commercial property. His work brings him into contact with the private side of the housing industry. He finds this experience useful in his work with People First. The public sector, with its particular constraints, provides a completely different perspective, which he finds fascinating.
Andrew Armstrong
Tenant
Lecturer, City College Manchester
Board member since 2002
Having served on People First's Board of Management since 2002, Andrew is also one of the association's tenants, whose connections to Hulme date back to 1987 and the regeneration of the area. He brings to the Board a keen interest in local housing and social issues and experience of working with young people and those with disabilities in education and the community.
Lisa Purchase
Lead Manager for Supported Housing, St. Vincent's HA
Board Member since 2003
Lisa brings to the Board her experience of 14 years in the housing sector. Currently the Supported Services Manager for St. Vincent’s Housing Association with responsibility for all of the Supported Housing Services including the Manchester Foyer and having witnessed the regeneration of the area as a local resident, she has a clear understanding of the history and development of Hulme.
Angela Davis
Tenant
Board Member since: 2005
"I have been a resident in Hulme for twelve years now and have served on the Board for the last two. I am very interested in local issues and am proud to be able to represent the tenants’ perspective at Board meetings. I also feel that there is much more that I can learn about the running of the association and its influence on the area and I believe the insight and understanding I can gain will help the local community in the long run. I would therefore like to stand for re-election." (Candidate Election Statement, 2007)
Siobhan Drugan
Research Centre Operational Manager , Manchester University
Board Member since 2006
Siobhan has vast experience in management, administration and finance gained in the education and hospitality sectors. Currently the Operational Manager of a Research Centre within Manchester University Siobhan is responsible for the day to day running of the centre and oversees financial budgets, prepares forecasts and assists with applications for projects and grants.
Iain Todd
Former tenant
Architect
Board member since 2007
"I have been a resident with People First for nearly two years. During this time I was asked to participate in a resident review panel. The review looked at resident involvement with People First, and after meeting a number of times, to discuss this question, a proposal was put together. I enjoyed working with other residents and I was very pleased to see that People First do ‘as it says on the tin’ put their residents first. I strongly believe that People First are working hard to do more than manage housing, they are providing homes, which in turn is creating a community. This is an important role that I fully support, and I am happy to give my time to help People First continue their work." (September 2007)
Shareholders (membership of the association)
All tenants of People First (and Hulme residents who can give a valid reason) can apply for membership of the association by purchasing a share for £1and completing an application form, which is then considered by the Board of Management.
Members of the association are called upon to attend General Meetings and are able to apply to become Board Members.
If you wish to become a shareholder please go to the contact us page for ways of getting in touch and address your query to Diliana or Linda.
