Sarah has worked in social housing for 28 years and is passionate about supporting communities to use their skills and assets the neighbourhoods they live in thrive. She has seen the positive impact that community ‘ownership’ can make on an area and has worked with residents to support many such projects. In addition, Sarah recognises the negative effect on communities where there are issues of community safety and anti-social behaviour which can blight all aspects of people’s lives.

Sarah is a Non-Executive Board Member of Resolve/Social Landlord’s Crime and Nuisance Group which is a nationwide organisation that works with housing organisations, PCCs, Health Sector and private companies to raise awareness, develop policy and share good practice.

Glyn is currently Director of Regeneration, Housing & Regulatory Services at Southend-on-Sea City Council and has over 30 years’ experience in local government, the NHS and the voluntary sector. He is also a Non-Executive Director of the Centre for Homelessness Impact, the UK What Works organisation for the homelessness sector. Glyn is a commissioner by background with a strong grounding in lived experience, collective advocacy and citizen voice, and a keen advocate for better co-design, production and delivery of public services.

Glyn has led many projects and programmes throughout his career, ranging from setting up football tournaments for marginalised communities, to developing award-winning drug education campaigns for clubbers, to developing young carers strategies at a national level, to leading on multi-million-pound regeneration programmes set to transform who neighbourhoods and create great new places for people to thrive in.

Stuart is Chief Executive Officer for Achieve Thrive Flourish (ATF). He is a dedicated community leader and advocate, recognised for his tireless work in supporting vulnerable people and strengthening community cohesion. With over 25 years of experience in the voluntary and community sector, Stuart has championed initiatives that empower individuals, reduce social isolation, and create opportunities for personal growth. As the driving force behind several successful community projects in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, he has worked closely with charities, local authorities, and grassroots groups to deliver meaningful change. Stuart’s passion for inclusivity and social justice has touched the lives of countless individuals, earning him widespread respect and admiration.

His leadership style centres on collaboration, compassion, and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. Awarded an MBE for services to the community, Stuart continues to inspire others through his unwavering commitment to improving lives and fostering resilient, connected neighbourhoods where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Sirajun-Nessa (Shelly) is a proactive community activist and was instrumental in setting up Multi-Cultural Southend, a ladies’ group that encourages involvement from diverse-backgrounds. The group was established in 2021 and aims to provide a supportive environment and safe space for women to learn English, build confidence, improve their chances of finding work as well as fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. The group has gone from strength to strength with the ladies learning a wide range of skills such as woodworking, IT and many health projects. Through her work with the group, Shelly has developed improved working between partners such as the NHS, City Council and voluntary organisations with complementary objectives.

Shelly is trained as an Arabic teacher and plays a vital role in translating for her community. Additionally, Shelly is a community leader in her local Mosque, undertaking community outreach and all aspects of religious duties. Shelly is a Community Champion for the Research Engagement Network (REN) which is a project which seeks to engage with ethnic communities in specific health projects.

Chris is a tenant Board member at South Essex Homes with 20+ years experience working directly for Third Sector and social housing organisations. Chris has extensive experience working with tenants / residents including difficult to reach and marginalised groups. He has led on numerous community projects and managed the annual community investment budget for a large social housing provider.

His life experience has helped him understand the need to listen to communities and to recognise their ’gifts’ as part of asset-based community development programmes.