About the Board

We set out to achieve the high standards of governance, accountability and probity and as such, we maintain rigorous internal control systems. The effectiveness of these is reviewed regularly by Auditors who report directly to North Star’s board. At the same time we aim to respond promptly and sensitively to the widely varying environment in which we provide homes and housing services.

North Star’s Board comprise of people who are committed to the communities we serve. Members have a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to draw on, and they attend training to broaden their knowledge and ensure they stay up to date.

Members

• Michael Bullock - Elected 2007, background of the Housing Sector firstly with the Northern Consortium. Now a Director of a Housing Consultancy focusing on research.
• Linda Bird - Elected 2006, Chair of Teesdale Housing Association, Human Resource Development Manager at Sunderland University
• Pat Buckley - Elected 1999. Former Head of Policy at Stockton Borough Council, now retired
• Ian Brown - Elected 2009, Experience and Skills: Development and Consultancy
• Doug Christie - Elected 2006, Formerly Senior Managment Team, Darlington Building Society, now retired
• Jim Coates - Elected 2008, Teneant Member of Teesdale Housing Assocation, retired business man, volunteer DDC books for the blind & member of Tenant's Forum
• Jed Lester - Deputy Chair - Elected 1994. Partner, Baines Jewitt Chartered Accountants
• Guru Naidoo - Corporate Governance & HR
• Margaret Smith - Elected 2007. Long and varied career at senior level in social housing, more recently worked as a consultant in the field. Now retired.
• Keith Stansfield - Chair - Elected 2006, Retired production manager, Justice of the Peace.
• Andrew Young - Deputy Chair - Elected 2007, back in working within the NSH at CEO level - now retired.