PRHA

About Us

Our board

In this section

PRHA is governed by a voluntary Board of Management. The role of the Board is to agree the strategic direction of the business and to ensure that the aims and objectives of the business are met. PRHA aspires to excellence in governance and operates to the guidelines set out in the National Housing Federation code of good governance.

The Board typically meets 6-8 times a year.  Four of these meetings are formal Board meetings where the Board will receive detailed oversight of PRHA’s operations covering financial performance, service delivery and regulatory compliance.

Board members contribute a wide range of skills and experience to the work of the Association:

  • Chris Halliwell - Chair

    Having graduated from Cambridge University Chris qualified as a solicitor in 1977 and has been the Senior Partner of Addison Law solicitors since 2013, specialising in wills and trusts. Chris joined the Board in 2011 and has been Chairman since 2016.

    Chris has also been President of both Portsmouth and Southsea Round Table and Rotary Club; is an Elder of the South Hayling United Reformed Church; and an original sponsor of The Hayling Island Men’s Shed. Chris is a keen golfer and real tennis enthusiast.

     

  • John Cogley Bsc (Hons) CEng, FIWO - Vice Chair

    John is a Chartered Civil Engineer and former director at Portsmouth Water now retired. John is also a Trustee of Brockhampton Holdings pension fund. He has been a Member of PRHA’s board since 2010. John’s interests include sailing (John has sailed across the Atlantic) and caravanning.

  • Jim Yates -

    Jim joined the Board in 2021. After obtaining a degree from Portsmouth Polytechnic he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1980 and has subsequently gained substantial experience in property investment, development and asset management, predominantly in the private sector. He has a broad range of interests including history, architecture and anything automotive.

  • Geoffrey Palmer -

    Geoff spent most of his working life at the family firm of John Palmer Ltd in Fratton before starting the floor covering business of John Palmer Carpets which still trades from premises in Fareham. Geoff enjoys sailing in his spare time as well as playing an amateur game of tennis.

  • Julie Nethercott -

    Julie joined the Board in 2017. Julie is Deputy Manager, for Enable Ability, a Portsmouth based charity for people with disabilities. Her area of responsibility within the charity is Children services training. She brings to the Board wide ranging knowledge of best practice in safeguarding vulnerable adults and associated policies. Julie is an assistant leader for a Beaver Scout Group and each year she will fundraise for Cancer Research by taking part in Pretty Muddy and Race for Life.

  • Paul Shergold -

    Paul has worked in the housing sector for the last 20+ years and has a wealth of knowledge & experience within the asset management and compliance areas of the business. Paul is currently Director of Operation for a housing association based in Petersfield overseeing all housing & maintenance related activities. Paul has a keen interest in renewable technology and in his spare time, enjoys watching sport and spending time with his family and friends.

  • Don Kent -

    Don joined the Board in 2021. Don served in the Armed Forces for 30 years as a logistics officer, retiring as a Colonel. He was Bursar of the Portsmouth Grammar School for 12 years and in retirement he is a Magistrate on the Portsmouth Bench. He is an active member of the Havant Rotary Club with responsibilities for Health and Safety; he is Chairman of the Club’s Trustees and also chairs the Foundation and International Committee. He enjoys walking, cycling, painting and drawing and is learning to play the piano.

  • Maria Jewett -

    Maria joined the Board in 2018. Maria is now retired having worked as a manager of the Police Prosecutions Department at Portsmouth Central Police Station. Maria is a wedding registrar and in her spare time enjoys painting in watercolour and sketching.

  • Holly Yaxley -

    Holly is a Chartered Surveyor with experience working for The Hyde Group and Chichester District Council, bringing knowledge and experience of affordable housing policies, governance, planning and development to the board. Holly’s main interests are travelling, outdoor activities and baking.  Holly joined the board in 2020.