ONE of Basingstoke’s largest housing associations has appointed two new board members.

VIVID housing has appointed Lynda Shillaw and Jean-Marc Vandevivere who will help the firm by bringing property and commercial experience.

In their role on the board the pair will help steer the strategic direction of VIVID, working to ensure the business is successful, responsible and compliant, whilst achieving its vision of having more homes.

Both Lynda and Jean-Marc have more than 20 years’ experience in the housing sector; Lynda as a chartered management accountant while Jean-Marc is currently chief executive at PLATFORM.

Lynda, who has also managed many large residential portfolios and has experience in bringing land forward for development, said: “It’s really exciting to be part of an organisation that’s vibrant and focused on making a difference to people’s lives, by creating great communities.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the delivery of strategies at Hampshire’s largest housing association. It’s also great to be part of a sector that’s at the centre of so much of government policy and crucially important to the long-term growth of the UK.”

VIVID owns and manages 30,000 homes in the south east, mainly in Hampshire and Surrey.

VIVID chief executive Mark Perry said: “I’m pleased to welcome Jean-Marc and Lynda to our board. They’ll provide us with crucial experience to develop our business further and support us in responding to the challenges that lie ahead, including doing all we can to help address housing need and influence government policy.

“Having a place to call home is vital to the wellbeing of individuals and society as a whole. We’re highly committed to providing more low-cost homes as well affordable and market rent, shared ownership and outright sale to help many achieve the brighter future they deserve.”