“When I joined the Tuntum board nine years ago, we were faced with a challenge of being downgraded to intervention status by the Regulator.
In simple terms, they appointed several people to the board, prior to my appointment, having deemed that the board was not in control of the organisation’s strategic direction.
The board met frequently and with the executive team we worked hard to address the Regulator’s concerns. On being successfully regraded to G2 and subsequently G1, I assured the Regulator, we would still take risks in order to grow, but these would be calculated and within our financial means and capacity.
The Association then embarked on a significant growth and investment strategy, having been the first BME-led Association to secure two private placements. The investment in our existing stock, still continues today, as we ensure that our existing customers benefit from all that we plan to achieve and deliver.
As a small Association, we are challenged by our limitation of resources, however we have always ‘punched’ above our weight to deliver the important and essential challenges that exist within our communities.
It was an absolute pleasure when a refugee family we were supporting attended one of our Board meetings. We heard about their journey and circumstances that led to them fleeing their country and seeking a new life in England. They expressed their gratitude for the home and support they received, but much more telling was the fact that the mother expressed that she was studying at college and learning to drive, none of this was encouraged in their home country. Their children were in school and the husband secured full-time work. Such success stories, of which there are many, make the efforts that the staff and board put into the Association so richly rewarding.
Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with board members that committed themselves to the Tuntum vision and values. There have been tough challenges, clear commitment, but always integrity and energy. I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to the board members I have worked with over the past nine years for their support to me and the Association.
