Meet the talented Shal team

James joined the Board in May 2023 and has been Chair since September 2023. He is the Regional Managing Director (West) for Sovereign Network Group and has worked in a number of housing associations across the Southwest of England over the last 30 years. James specialises in affordable housing development, and investment and sales programmes.

Alex is our newest Board member, joining in 2025. He is Head of Estates at St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford. Alex brings leadership experience and has worked in consultancy and finance, as a surveyor, and a programme and project manager including asset management. He holds a Fellowship of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building.

Carwyn is a Financial Controller at Wales and West Housing Association. An accountant by background, he is an expert in forecasting and business planning, and in building strong working relationships to provide meaningful financial information. He is passionate about housing and making a difference to the lives of residents.

Dale joined the Board in November 2024 and became Chair of the Asset and Development Committee in September 2025. His experience lies in commercial finance, and he has been a Consultant specialising in business development strategies since 2018. His diverse experience and knowledge, coupled with a deep understanding of the impact safe and well-maintained homes can have on society, bring a unique perspective to the Board.

Laura is Finance Director at the Centre for Economic and Social Rights (CESR). She is an experienced global finance and operations leader across the non-profit, financial and sports sectors. As a Board Member at Shal, she brings expertise in finance, risk management and governance, along with her values-driven approach.

Nick joined the Board in 2024 and became Chair of the Remuneration and Nominations committee in 2025. Before retiring, Nick worked in HR Director and Vice President of HR roles for over 30 years, both in the UK and internationally. He brings experience from across industry sectors, and is also a trained Executive Coach. Nick also acts as a Non-executive Director at Shared Lives South West, a leading adult care charity in the region.

Paul joined the Board in 2022. Before retiring in 2021, he was a highly experienced Land Manager for a construction company. Paul has 30 years of Director-level experience in construction and architecture, and brings expertise in the entire affordable housing development process, from negotiation with land owners to working with Local Authorities and Planning departments.

Penelope is Economic Regulation Director for a water company and has been a member of Shal’s Board since 2025. She has degrees in economics from Cambridge and Exeter Universities, and brings extensive experience of major infrastructure strategy, planning and delivery. Penelope is passionate about the role housing plays in growth and community development. She also grew up in the South West and understands the unique housing challenges of the region.

Ray is a retired Finance Director and Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience leading financial strategies for a number of social housing providers. He has significant experience of leading on business planning and treasury management, as well as raising funding through banking and capital markets.

Sophie is Associate Director of Investment and Performance in Asset at Abri. She is passionate about using data, insight and collaborative design to embed sustainable change that benefits people and communities. Sophie has more than 15 years’ experience delivering change across the social housing sector. She brings strong governance skills, a commercial mindset and a deep commitment to social impact, equity and sustainability.

Simon joined Shal in June 2025, bringing over 20 years’ experience in social housing. He has overseen the delivery of customer service, housing management and asset management functions, and delivered a significant transformation programme modernising IT systems. Simon is passionate about meaningful tenant engagement, and using data to inform decision-making. He is also a Non-executive Director at Southdown Housing and is their Board Champion for Client voice.

Bridgette joined Shal in September 2025, moving from the not for profit sector where she led Finance & Resources teams for 10 years. An accountant by background, she brings knowledge, skills and experience of finance and leadership to the team. Bridgette was raised in rural Somerset and is committed to Shal’s mission of providing safe, warm and affordable homes.

Lee joined Shal in 2018 and brings experience in social housing and complaints management. He led on the introduction of trauma-informed and restorative practice at Shal, and leads our Housing team. He became Shal’s Complaints Officer in 2022. Lee’s approach is focused on building relationships and treating people with kindness and fairness.

Ciara joined Shal in 2025 and previously worked in the healthcare sector. She brings experience in internal and external communications, along with qualitative data analysis. This is Ciara’s first role in the housing sector and she is passionate about the role secure housing can play in making a positive difference to people’s lives.