Trent & Dove is run by a Board of Management made up of 10 members, including Trent & Dove customers. The board drives our strategy ensuring we make the best business decisions.

The regulator monitors how well we do this; you’ll find our latest reports here Trent & Dove Housing Limited - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Trent & Dove also has an Executive Team who are responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation.

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Mike Hew

Mike Hew

What is the role of the Governance & Remuneration Committee?

It is about how well we are governed and how we respond to challenges in response to our customers and our regulator. When we review what our executives are paid, for example, we have to take charge of the benchmarking to ensure it is independent.
We also examine larger issues with HR. They use us as a sounding board for opinions and to test theories.

What knowledge did you gain as a homelessness officer that is important to social housing?
It gave me an understanding of what housing needs were really about because I was meeting and dealing with people in quite high levels of distress, in most cases through no fault of their own. Many of our customers need support and I am glad that Trent & Dove offers more than just a roof over ones head.

Why have you remained in the social housing sector?
There are two aspects to housing associations. Some associations are mega landlords who own a lot of property. Hopefully, they'll look after it, make repairs, build more, but that's it. Or there are housing associations, such as Trent & Dove, which have a social purpose. They build communities. They are not saying it's all about landlords and tenants. It's about families living in their homes, integrating and forming good communities.
What's been your proudest moment on the Board?
I defend community-based services because that is what makes us distinctive.
I am also proud of the Customer Committee because it's meeting the tenants face to face again, learning what's important to them, and seeing how Trent & Dove has improved their quality of life.

How does the Board ensure Trent & Dove is embracing ED&I?
One of the key roles of the Board is to ensure that the culture is right. We had a head start in Trent & Dove because of its nice positive culture.
The reality is that maintaining a positive culture doesn't happen by accident. It's about cultivating a caring attitude to people and ensuring that people want others to deliver their very best and achieve their greatest.

Do you have a favourite quote or philosophy that inspires you?
‘I t's nice to be important, but more important to be nice.’ If you are rising the ranks, make sure you don’t get puffed up by your own importance. You should treat everyone as equals because they are, no matter your background or status.