New chairperson appointed to local housing association

Housing association Barcud, which has hundreds of home in Newtown and throughout the area, has announced the appointment of Alison Thorne as its new Group Chair of the Board. 

Ms Thorne brings valuable knowledge as an experienced board member and has an exceptional track record in leadership roles. The not-for-profit housing association  said that her “diverse perspective and solid strategic thinking” make her an ideal person to lead their Board of Directors in a rapidly changing industry. 

Barcud was formed from the merger of Tai Ceredigion and Mid-Wales Housing and every penny earned is ploughed back into providing homes in communities across Powys, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

Ms Thorne is currently Chair, Non-Executive Director, Trustee and Committee Member, and founder of ‘atconnect’, a business and people development company.

She has had a global corporate career in retail, holding executive board roles at Mothercare, George at Asda and Otto UK with executive leadership roles at Kingfisher and Storehouse, specialising in Operations, Buying, Merchandising and Sourcing.

Her career then developed into Executive search as a partner in a boutique search firm before setting up 'atconnect', a business that supports companies to deliver successful teams through executive search and mentoring working in Media, Digital, Retail, Housing and Health Care sectors.

Alison has also developed a Non-Executive career, being previously a Non-Executive Director for Thought Provoking Consulting, a trustee at Tropical Forest Trust (sustainable forest management) and a trustee and then Chair at Chwarae Teg (Wales's leading equality charity). 

She is a board member for Sport Wales, where she Chairs the Facilities Review and is a Governor for Cardiff Metropolitan University. Ms Thorne builds on her equality work as the Wales Lead for Women on Boards and is an Independent Panel Member for Public Appointments for the Welsh Government. 

“The Barcud Group would also like to take this opportunity to thank two outgoing Chairs for their hard work and leadership,” a spokesperson said.

“John Jenkins, has given dedicated service and invaluable contributions during his tenure. Under his leadership over the last two years, we have achieved significant success, and we are grateful for his commitment to our company's strategy and vision.

“Also, Dafydd Lewis, who took over following John’s departure at the beginning of the year. Dafydd, an ex-Local Government Corporate Director and Chair of Group Cynefin, has provided support and stability during the recruitment process and will remain a valuable member of the Barcud Board.”