Chief Executive Officer
Frances brings to CHCA an exceptional depth of experience as a senior executive in the social housing industry. She is a dynamic leader recognised for resilient, effective and inclusive leadership around a strong set of values.
For more than 30 years, Frances has dedicated her career to the provision of housing and homelessness services both in the UK and Australia working as a senior executive across a range of government and non-government agencies.
Frances is a strong advocate for people who are marginalised, disadvantaged or facing discrimination. She is passionate about empowering people to reach their own goals and to change their own circumstances.
Frances is also driven to achieve sustainable business growth and excellence in service delivery which is demonstrated by her established track record of strategic leadership in social housing.
Moving to Australia in 2009, Frances took up the role of General Manager of Churches of Christ Housing Services in Queensland. During that time, she grew the housing service significantly from 100 properties in 2009 to over 1300 when she left in 2019. The achievement of this growth required strategic vision and sound business planning along with negotiating and securing significant funding from a range of stakeholders including government, corporate supporters and philanthropic donors in an increasingly competitive environment.
As the Queensland State Manager for CHL, a Tier 1 national and international community housing organisation, Frances led the strategic direction, growth, and compliance of the Tier 1 housing company in Queensland. During that time, she continued to deliver on her successful growth strategy, securing a further investment of $28M for 80 new social and affordable housing projects with many others in the pipeline during her 18 months tenure. Frances also developed an expertise in Specialist Disability Accommodation while at CHL.
Frances holds a Master’s Degree in Property Development, a Post Graduate Diploma in Housing and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Frances has also served as a non-executive Director of many not-for-profit Boards, including national peak and industry bodies, homelessness services and community housing providers.
The CHL Queensland portfolio operates across four key locations: Gold Coast; Brisbane; Fraser Coast and Maranoa. The accommodation is targeted at people who are low-income earners, families leaving domestic violence situations or have mental health or other medical needs. Of the 1300 properties under management, 14% of these provide homes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. In Maranoa, 50% of the CHL portfolio (96 properties) operated from our Roma office, provides accommodation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households.
Aboriginal Community Housing Limited (ACHL), part of the CHL Group, was established to provide culturally appropriate housing services and supports for Aboriginal Communities. It has been a privilege to walk alongside the staff within the ACHL team to learn and grow personally and professionally in culturally appropriate service delivery and engagement with Elders and communities.
During my employment at Churches of Christ, I also lead on a Property Upgrade Program to support Umpi Korumba Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Corporation based in Zillmere with their strategic asset management upgrade program. This program provided me with an excellent opportunity to work with an Aboriginal Organisation and to listen and understand the requirements of their tenants so that this was appropriately reflected in the upgrade program.
I also have a strong governance background and I am a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. I sit on the Board of Jacaranda Housing Company, a small Tier 3 organisation and I am also a director of the peak body, Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) in Queensland. These Director positions provide me with the opportunity to strengthen organisations by building the capacity and governance of community housing organisations.
While my experience in Australia has a Queensland focus, I believe that my work in both the UK and Queensland will bring a fresh perspective to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. I believe that many of the initiatives that I have delivered in previous roles could be introduced into CHCA.
I have developed many relationships across Australia through networking, speaking at events and through my appointments as a director on a variety of Not-For-Profit Boards. If appointed to the role of CEO, a priority will be establishing relationships with the Board, Communities, Elders, Peaks Bodies, staff and other key stakeholders to outline a road map for delivery on the Growth Strategy.
Alongside this, I would seek to raise the profile of the work of CHCA and advocate for investment. This can be achieved in a manner of ways by engaging with communities, attending industry events, being visible and involved in the work of the Peak bodies, seeking appropriate sponsorship opportunities and tailoring key messages to relate to the vision of funders, stakeholders and other people of influence.
The significant growth achieved within my previous and current roles required a strong focus on developing and maintaining a positive culture within the staff team, workforce planning, effective communication and change management. I see the role of CEO with CHCA closely aligned to these attributes and believe that I have the necessary vision, drive, enthusiasm, energy and passion for this important position in an Organisation that is at the forefront of the delivering change for the Northern Territory and beyond.
The opportunity to live and work in Alice Springs would be an absolute privilege. Alice Springs is an area that is steeped in tradition, with a mix of cultures and beauty.
The chance to call Alice home is a key factor in applying for this position and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application in more detail.
