Berneslai Homes welcomes new Chair

Efficiency North is delighted that Ken Taylor, Chair of EN:Able Communities CIO, has been appointed Chair of longstanding member Berneslai Homes.   

Ken brings to the role over 25 years’ experience at executive director and board level in the public, private, and voluntary sectors. He has worked in a range of areas including housing, regeneration, employment and skills, and health and wellbeing. Ken was Chair of Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) for nine years, and Executive Director at Groundwork, expanding the latter to not only improve the environment but support people into sustainable employment across large parts of the region.

Ken has a strong track record of developing effective partnerships to address inequalities and strengthen communities. He’s passionate about putting tenants at the centre of decision making and collaborating with them to design solutions and deliver great outcomes.

As current Chair and Trustee of EN:Able Communities, Ken drives forward the charity’s work to reduce unemployment, advance education and training, and address fuel poverty within the Yorkshire and Humber region. Ken also acts as Independent Advisor to the Board at Efficiency North Holdings Limited and is Chair of Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery College.

Ken said: “I’m delighted to be joining Berneslai Homes. It’s an ambitious organisation with a fantastic reputation for delivering safe, secure, and quality homes. My approach has always been to engage with people and understand their needs. Berneslai Homes fits my values of putting tenants at the heart of everything it does and working together with them to improve services.” 

Amanda Garrard, Berneslai Homes Chief Executive, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Ken who brings both fantastic experience as well as the personal qualities to make a positive difference. As someone who cares deeply about people, I know he will work closely with our Board members and executive management team to drive improvements and deliver excellent services to our tenants.”

Lee Parkinson, Efficiency North Chief Executive, said: “Ken has made a considerable positive impact in guiding EN:Able Communities CIO transition from simply a giving charity but one that also provides a service in the retrofit training, guidance and employability space too. I am sure he will be a great asset to Berneslai Homes and will further their reputation for putting their customers and communities first in the provision of high quality and safe housing.”

Ken will be appointed as Chair at the Berneslai Homes Board Meeting on Thursday 7 December 2023.