“Together, we are building a better future for our Phoenix community.”

The past year has been a year like no other. Our lives changed significantly as we adapted to the ‘new normal’ and now again as restrictions begin to ease. Through all the changes and adjusting, residents and staff have continued to look out for each other and have demonstrated true resilience. I’m so proud of our Phoenix community and I hope that you are too.

Responding to the pandemic has challenged us not only to keep everyone safe, but to adapt how we work to ensure that residents are heard and listened to. Your feedback has helped us to plan and change our services over the year and will continue to help us as we deliver our plans for the future.

We’ve progressed with our digital journey and have tried to keep connected in every way we can. We held our first hybrid AGM and launched our ‘MyPhoenix’ portal to give you more choice in how you interact with Phoenix.

While we’re gradually getting back out in the community and things are starting to open up, we will work to maintain virtual ways to have your say. It’s been great to hear new voices and to ‘see’ more of you getting involved in a way that is convenient for you.

In May 2021 our Chief Executive Jim Ripley announced his plans to retire and this year is also my last as Chair of the Phoenix Board. It has been a pleasure to be the tenant Chair of Phoenix for the past five years and I will still remain on the Phoenix Board as a Board Member. My successor will be confirmed at our Board meeting in September and our rules remain that the Chair and Vice Chair must be Phoenix tenants.

Five years is a short time compared with Jim’s time at Phoenix. He has been with us right from the start in 2007, through thick and through thin, and I would like to thank him for his dedication over so many years to making us the thriving housing association we are today. At the time of writing, we are about to appoint a new Chief Executive and it’s vital to us that they share Jim’s commitment to working always with residents, not for residents or to residents.

I know the people who succeed us – both our Board and our staff - will continue to ensure your voices are heard. We are and will always be resident-led and you, our residents, are the future of Phoenix. Phoenix is, after all, the product of resident determination and willingness to make a change.

“Together, we are building a better future for our Phoenix community.”

Use your voice, get involved and let's all work together to make a difference.

Anne McGurk Chair