Jo Robinson
Jo has worked in social housing for 30 years and is Executive Director Governance & Compliance for large housing association, Optivo. Originally a chartered surveyor, Jo’s first job in the sector was as a Housing Officer. She’s since held a wide range of roles including in home ownership, development, sales and risk. As well as responsibility for governance including regulation, she oversees resident scrutiny and involvement. She is passionate about social landlords showing they listen to their residents and care. Jo was appointed as an Independent member of the saha Governance and HR Committee in May 2019.
Other SAHA Team Members
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Elliot Thomas
Board Member
Elliot is the General Counsel and Company Secretary to saha’s parent, The Salvation Army. Legally qualified, and with board experience from a range of sectors, he is an expert in corporate governance, strategic planning, operational oversight and transformational change.
Elliot joined saha’s board in July 2021 following saha’s regulatory downgrade and he is committed to helping saha become as impactful as it can be, within the group of The Salvation Army.
He is committed to the provision of quality housing, within a caring community.
Elliot divides his time between central London and the wilds of Exmoor.
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Stephen Bright
Board Member
Stephen trained as a Chartered Accountant and worked in the profession for the first seven years of his career. He is also a member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers and Chartered Institute of Taxation. He has previous experience on the board of charities and on the Audit Committee for The Salvation Army; he is also on the board of a social housing provider in London and was previously on the Audit Committee for two NHS acute trusts.
He retired to Buckinghamshire after 35 years at board level in Retail Banks and Insurance companies as Chief Financial Officer, Risk Director, IT Director and Chief Executive Officer in the UK and Europe. Stephen joined the saha Board in February 2022.
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Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe
Drew has been a Salvation Army officer in his local church and has always tried to plant new ministries and congregations with a keen edge towards social justice; had leadership roles for The Salvation Army at divisional and national level. Currently Secretary for Mission with responsibilities for the oversight of mission across the UK based at The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters. Drew was appointed to the Saha board in 2020 and is also a director of the Salvation Army Trustee company in the UK.
Married to soul mate Beverley, 3 fantastic grown up children, Daryn, Cathryn and Eloise. Now a grandad to Harry, James, Ollie and Maya. Passionately in love with God the Father, Son and Spirit, mission agitator and covenanted to The Salvation Army. MA in Evangelism and Mission.
