Committees

Simon has over 25 years of social housing experience, ranging from leasing private homes for temporary accommodation, developing new build communities, managing commercial portfolios, leading on large scale stock transfers, and managing client’s social housing portfolios. A long-term senior leader for one of the largest UK housing landlords and service providers in the country Simon, is passionate about having the right strategy to deliver what communities need. Prior to his housing career Simon ran his own bar and restaurant, and when not a work enjoys playing badminton, cycling, and spending time with his family.

Paul is a chartered surveyor with 35 years’ experience in construction, property development, support services and accommodation. Most of his career was with Balfour Beatty, the international construction company, where he was Commercial Director helping set the strategic direction and business planning for businesses with combined annual revenues of £1.6bn and employing 18,000 people. On the Executive Board he directed all commercial & compliance activities across regulated sectors as well as having accountability for risk management and the internal audit framework.

More recently he spent the last 8 years as Managing Director of UPP, the UK’s largest on-campus student housing provider with 40,000 units under management.

Since leaving UPP in 2023, Paul has striven to give something back to the property sector and the communities it serves. He holds Non-Executive roles for Ethical Leasehold Management Group and the University of Reading.

Paul is delighted to join Raven Housing Trust at such an exciting time as the organisation embarks on it’s new strategic plan, “Delivering What Matters”.

Zelda joined Raven in October 2024 as co-opted member of the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee.  Zelda is an experienced senior finance leader and qualified accountant.  She has held a number of Finance Director roles in consumer facing organisations, as well as non-executive roles including as member of the Audit Committee for St George’s University of London.  She brings extensive commercial experience within large, complex organisations.  Zelda is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Hena has a keen eye for detail. Having worked as a paralegal in the private sector for several years she went on to complete her legal qualifications and currently works in the public sector with the Council in Legal Services.  

Following the pandemic Hena decided to get more involved with her local community. Hena also works with local charities in the local community which support mental wellbeing, access to food and platforms for young people.  

In her spare time, she trains in strength and endurance at her local gym.