RUSS’s Trustees set the overall strategic direction for the organisation. They monitor performance against the business plan and ensure the organisation’s resources and finances are being correctly managed. The Trustees also provide leadership, guidance, financial governance and ensure that RUSS fulfils its charitable duties. The Board includes residents of RUSS’s frst project at 12 Church Grove. Collectively the Board has significant experience of business, social housing, community engagement, construction processes, self-build, financial management, risk management and fundraising.
The 2025-26 trustees are:
Jessica Barker-Wren: Jessica has been a central member of the Future Projects group, with a keen interest in innovative and sustainable design. Her facilitation experience, including public architectural tours, will greatly support the educational offer of the RUSS School of Community-Led Housing, particularly for critical outreach to local youth groups.
Jon Broome: Jon has been involved in RUSS since the very early days. His extensive knowledge of self-build community-led housing has supported decision-making and reflective learning around Church Grove, and will help guide us as we seek to take RUSS forward with new projects.
Ed Mayo MBE: Ed is the Chair of the Board. Ed has experience leading several third sector organisations, including Pilotlight and the New Economics Foundation. He’s supported the growth of these organisations, including enhancing their financial sustainability and their social impact. He’s enthusiastic about supporting our long-term strategising, including succession planning for our board and staff members.
Phil Morris: Phil is a semi-retired accountant who has worked in social housing for most of his career. He is our Board Treasurer and a key member of the Finance and Audit Committee. His accounting knowledge within the housing sector enables RUSS to understand and manage financial risk.
David Robinson: David is a Development Finance Analyst for Hyde Housing Association and is interested in supporting RUSS’s business planning. Having previously worked in asset management, his contribution to future projects will benefit greatly from his experience in property valuation and financial modelling.
Joel Simpson: Joel’s recent tasks for the Board have included supporting staff and volunteer recruitment and helping to facilitate a number of RUSS outreach events. He looks forward to supporting the development of the RUSS business plan, as well as enabling local community groups to get involved in future projects.
Sophie Watson: Sophie is a Professor of Sociology, has supported the development of public housing projects in Australia and co-founded Camden Women’s Aid. She is keen on developing our public engagement – particularly looking at relationships with local organisations – as well as the RUSS School, with a view to supporting our future projects.
Louis Worthington: As a Church Grove resident, Louis’s work has included reporting board updates to the Residents Group, supporting housing allocations processes and liaison with CDS. He is also central to the Lease Working Group, investigating ways of enhancing mortgage opportunities for prospective buyers of community land trust homes.
