About Mercian

Mercian aims to provide a key contribution to improving the quality  of life for many people in the region

Governance & Finance

Overall legal and fiduciary responsibility for Mercian and for its subsidiaries (ART Homes Ltd and Zenith Development Partnership Ltd) is vested in the Board. This consists of between 7 and 18 members, elected by shareholders.

Up to one-third of Board membership may be directly elected by tenants, the remainder are elected by “independent” shareholders.

Mercian's Board is committed to fulfilling its main responsibilities of:

  • Reviewing and determining the strategic vision of the Association, and providing unambiguous leadership in support of the Association’s purpose and values.
  • Keeping under regular review the changing regulatory, social and institutional context affecting the provision of affordable housing.
  • Ensuring that Board membership is kept under regular review, with a clear recognition of the need to maintain an appropriate balance of skills and stakeholders.
  • Keeping up-to-date with the environment and the wider needs of the business through appropriate professional contact and personal training for its members.
  • Supporting the Chief Executive and management team in the delivery of the Association’s objectives.
  • In particular, establishing clear guidelines for priority, monitoring delivery and addressing contingency as it may arise.

Mercian Board Members are:

  • Colin Small - Chairman
  • Andrew Speight
  • Mike Burns
  • Justine Kenny
  • Ed Ferrari
  • Susan Spencer
  • June Stevenson - Resident Board Member
  • Andrew Pountney - Resident Board Member
  • Antoinette Thirbenny - Resident Board Member

Finance

Mercian's work is underpinned by sound governance and finances. We have a full set of ‘green lights’ and low risk assessment from the Housing Corporation which confirm our strong position for the future.

Financial Highlights

  • Mercian owns housing assets worth £152.5m
  • Our turnover for 2008/09 was £14.2m
  • Mercian has reserves of £12.7m

In 2008/09 we have invested £7.6 million of social housing grant in building new homes and spent almost £2.2 million on maintenance and improvement of our properties.