Efficiency North is delighted to announce the appointment of new Independent Board Chair, Pauline Davis, who took up the post on 17 June 2021.
Pauline brings over 30 years’ experience in Housing, health, regeneration and education to the role, as well as genuine passion for place shaping and regeneration and understanding of Efficiency North’s values and vision. She retired from her role as Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Regeneration at Hull City Council in 2014, having previously worked in Nottingham and Liverpool for the NHS and Local Government. She has led multi-million-pound regeneration projects and programmes such as Housing Market Renewal, Building Schools for the Future and Economic Development. Pauline is also currently Vice Chair of The Riverside Housing Group and is Chair of the Riverside London Development Committee which oversees the regeneration of existing estates in London. Pauline also holds the position of Chair of DHU NHS 111 Ltd who provide NHS 111 services across the East Midlands and Milton Keynes. Pauline holds a master’s degree in Public Health and is an Honorary Member of the Faculty of Public Health.
One of Pauline’s first public appointments as Chair was to introduce Efficiency North’s 5th Annual Conference & Exhibition, which this year for the first time brought the consortium’s membership and supply chain network together online over 3 mornings from 22-24 June.
Pauline takes the helm from outgoing Chair Jackie Axelby MBA, MBE, who is stepping down from the role after 4 years of service to Efficiency North. Under Jackie’s stewardship as the first Chair of Efficiency North Holdings Ltd, established in 2017 to incorporate EN:Able Futures and EN:Able Build to tackle the skills crisis in the sector and the acute need for ways to accelerate housing delivery in the region, the consortium has weathered many challenges and grown strong foundations.
New Independent Chair Pauline Davis commented: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Independent Chair of Efficiency North Holdings Ltd.
“EN delivers high quality services for our members under pinned by a set of social values that demonstrate we care about the communities they serve. For me it is all about listening to our members and responding to their needs. Participating in the annual conference online, EN:ACE, has been a great opportunity to engage with members and suppliers. I hope soon to be able to get out and about, meet with them and see projects that we are delivering together.
“I look forward to working with the Board, Lee, the team and our Members to continue the growth and development of the company.”
Outgoing Chair Jackie Axelby commented: “It is time to say ‘Adieu’ to Efficiency North and my role as its first Independent Chair. My four years have flown by, which might be a sign of how much I have enjoyed the role and the people I have worked with on the board and within the organisation. It is also probably something to do with the fast pace of growth and development of the company; there has never been a dull moment!
“Despite the best efforts of Covid-19, Efficiency North has not only weathered the pandemic storm but is positioned to see 2021/2022 being a very successful year. I am handing over the reins to Pauline Davis and wish her every success. I hope she enjoys the role as much as I have. I wish the Efficiency North board, staff and member organisations every success for the future.”
Chief Executive of Efficiency North Lee Parkinson said: “On behalf of the Efficiency North staff I welcome Pauline to the company and very much look forward to working closely with her as we continue the delivery of our Beyond 2020 Business Strategy and Plan. Pauline has extensive experience spanning a number of public services and a wide network which she has developed in her executive and non-executive career. Following Brexit, the Coronavirus Pandemic and now, as the country sets out on its economic recovery, Efficiency North has a valuable role to play in supporting its members recover their planned investment programmes, maintain their new build housing delivery and continue to deliver high quality social value as a direct result of those investments."
“With many significant strategic options to explore for the company, Pauline’s considerable experience in both the Boardroom and, as a leading executive, will be of great value to the company and I very much look forward to furthering the growth and development of the company under her stewardship.”