Resident Information Area
Everything you need to know as a YMCA Resident
Here you’ll find everything you need to know as a resident of YMCA’s Housing Services, including information on our housing offer, introductions to our Housing Managers, an overview of our policies and procedures, and details on how you can make a complaint if you’re not satisfied with the services provided.
Our Residents’ Annual Report provides a snapshot of our progress in YMCA Housing over the past year. It includes information on the number of homes we provide, the number of people who have moved on positively from YMCA, and details of our compliance and regulatory performance, helping to ensure your home remains safe and maintained to a high standard.
In line with the Social Tenants Access to Information Requirements (STAIRS), we are committed to being open and transparent about the services we deliver. Through this page, we hope you can find everything you need to know about our performance. By sharing this information, we aim to help residents better understand our services, hold us to account, and play an active role in shaping and improving the services we provide.
If you would like to know more about anything on this page, please contact us at info@ymcabc.org.uk.
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Our Housing Options
We know that people’s needs vary at different points in their lives, that’s why we provide a range of types of accommodation for young people between 16 - 35 years old.
Meet the Team
It is important you know who the people are that are delivering your services and making the decisions that affect your home. In our organisation there are a number of tiers of decision making, starting with our Board of Trustees, Chief Officers and Executives and our Housing Managers. They all have a different role within the organisation, but a shared vision to support you to belong, contribute and thrive.
Phil Walker
Chair of Trustees and Capital Projects Committee
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Phil Walker
Chair of Trustees and Capital Projects Committee
I have worked in the construction industry for 34 years, working as a client, consultant and contractor. In my local church I have taught Sunday School for 30 plus years and participated actively in the church’s operations. I joined the YMCA BC as I believe that applying appropriate construction principals to our multiple projects will provide the best accommodation and facilities for all of our clients.
Seinde Balogun
Chair of Governance Development Committee and Chair of Health & Safety Committee
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Seinde Balogun
Chair of Governance Development Committee and Chair of Health & Safety Committee
I am a Christian, married with three children. I am a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. I joined the YMCA BC because I wanted to help them in the good work that they do. I hope that I bring compassion, technical knowledge and corporate experience to YMCA BC
Mark Fussell
Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
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Mark Fussell
Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
I have been involved in the recruitment industry for most of my working life and re-joined the YMCA BC in 2021 as a Trustee & Board Member having previously served a nine year term between 2009 and 2018. I play an active role in my local church and feel privileged to be able to play a small part in the work of the YMCA in the Black Country.
Ramesh Malhan
Trustee
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Ramesh Malhan
Trustee
As Head of Service at Black Country Housing Group, with 35 years’ experience working in housing and community services, I am passionate about fairness, integrity, resident engagement and service improvement. Alongside my professional role, I serve as an elder in my local church, reflecting my strong commitment to community, care and values. I’m married with three children. I hope to bring both professional insight and personal compassion whilst serving as a Trustee.
Jeremy Oakley
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Jeremy Oakley
The Black Country has been my home and provided me with a very full working life, half of which was in business and the other half as a vicar in the Church of England. I became a Christian in March 1984, and meeting Jesus certainly changed my life’s priorities.
There have been a number of occasions in my life when God has given me a second chance, often those chances have come through the kindness and generosity of other people. The privilege of serving YMCA Black Country is my opportunity to pay forward what God and others have done for me. I firmly believe that Jesus wants to be part our lives, and so it is my desire that his teaching will inform the vision and strategy of YMCA BC so that it remains a place of welcome to everyone.
Stephanie Patrick
Trustee
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Stephanie Patrick
Trustee
I am the Chief Executive of WAY Widowed and Young which is a national bereavement charity for young widows. Before this, I spent 20 years working for a local YMCA as Deputy Chief Executive and then Acting Chief Executive Officer. I started my career as a professionally qualified youth worker and have nearly 30 years’ experience of working within the third sector. I am deeply committed to the YMCA Movement and the Christian Ethos which underpins its mission to drive positive change for disadvantaged young people, children and their families.
Jon Rowe
Trustee
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Jon Rowe
Trustee
At the age of 17 I became a Christian and my life was completely transformed by the love of Jesus. I have endeavoured to follow and serve him ever since. My initial involvement with the YMCA was through my business life when I was approached to provide insurance and pension solutions for them. I soon became enthralled with the diverse ways in which they serve and support the local community encouraging all people to Belong, Contribute and Thrive. I sold my businesses in 2015, and since then I have been involved in pioneering and pastoring a local free evangelical church. It is a privilege to serve on both the local board of Black Country YMCA and also the main board of the YMCA of England & Wales.
Jayne Sargeant
Trustee
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Jayne Sargeant
Trustee
Jayne has been Chief Executive of Phase Trust for 20 years, growing the organisation from one that focused on grassroots delivery to an organisation with regional impact. Jayne is part of several key strategic forums and steering groups that work on the emotional health, exploitation and neglect agendas. She is also an accredited trainer, delivering training nationally on topics including exploitation and serious youth violence, adolescent neglect, exploitation and child sexual abuse.
Martin Shenton
Trustee
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Martin Shenton
Trustee
I was born and bred in the Black Country and have been a Christian all my life and continue to grow in faith. As an accountant I worked most of my life in the Foundry Industry and latterly in Industrial Property management. I want to give back to the community I grew up in. I’m inspired by the work of the YMCA, and I’m particularly interested in the work of the YMCA in helping the homeless.
Geoff Stonyer
Trustee
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Geoff Stonyer
Trustee
Having spent many years involved in Christian work with young people I am now starting my second term as a member of the board of trustees at the YMCA BCG. Before joining the board I was actively involved with the First Base charity providing support and sheltered accommodation in Walsall.As a member of Walsall Community Church I also have the privilege of serving on the board of Walsall Street Teams which really does give me an even further insight into the problems young people face at this time.
Clotilda Tigere
Trustee
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Clotilda Tigere
Trustee
I’m a nursing student in my third and final year. I joined YMCA BC because I wanted to help other young people like me. Having been involved with YMCA’s housing services since I was 16 and benefitted from their support myself, I wanted the opportunity to give back to the amazing work that they do.
Anna Walsh
Chair of HR & Ethos Committee and Chair of Chief Officer Remuneration & CEO Review Committee
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Anna Walsh
Chair of HR & Ethos Committee and Chair of Chief Officer Remuneration & CEO Review Committee
I became CEO at CHADD, (a charitable housing association providing supported housing & community outreach for people in Dudley), in 2015. I have a 23-year career working in social action, housing, health and community services. I believe that Christian based social action has a unique & powerful offer to change people’s lives. Hence why I joined YMCA BC.
Steve Bavington
Chief Executive Officer
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Steve Bavington
Chief Executive Officer
I joined West Bromwich YMCA in 2006 having had a career in corporate sales and marketing. I enjoyed 7 great years leading on marketing and fundraising for what became YMCA Black Country Group – including a year working for YMCA England on a national project promoting physical activity.
In 2013, I moved across to lead a Christian charity in Birmingham for 9 years, supporting individuals and working with businesses to offer thought leadership and practical support around wellbeing to their employees.
It was a privilege to have been called by God back to lead YMCA, building on an incredible foundation and working with a superb team, to continue and grow our life changing work.
I have three children and one granddaughter. I am proud to play hockey for West Bromwich and enjoy expressing my creativity through baking, painting and photography.
Blantina Chipangura
Executive Head of HR & Ethos
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Blantina Chipangura
Executive Head of HR & Ethos
I joined YMCA in 2015 as a Chartered Member MCIPD. I have over 25 years’ experience in people management from varied sectors such as NHS, charitable and the private sector.
I am passionate about people management, equity, diversity and inclusion so it is a personal pride for me to see people thriving within the organisation and contributing to this great charity. Most importantly, it is inspiring working for the YMCA Black Country Group as it makes a clear, tangible difference to so many people in the diverse communities we serve.
My favourite way to relax outside of work is listening to interesting podcasts , walking and I love travelling to different countries whenever I have the opportunity.
Sally Cowan
Chief Operations Officer (Places)
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Sally Cowan
Chief Operations Officer (Places)
Prior to the YMCA I founded a youth homelessness project in the Wyre Forest, and gained front line experience of working with vulnerable young people who have been made homeless. It was here that my dedication to serving communities was ignited.
I’ve been a part of the YMCA family since 2007 and feel blessed every day to be part of such an amazing organisation. I believe that the work of the YMCA really does have the power to transform lives – and see this evidenced everyday through the dedication and hard work of our staff teams.
Jo Goldie
Chief Operations Officer (Programmes)
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Jo Goldie
Chief Operations Officer (Programmes)
Prior to joining YMCA my background has been within the criminal justice, predominantly the Probation service where I have worked as an Assistant Chief Officer of a leading Community Rehabilitation Company based in West Mercia. Prior to this I had been working for a Christian Housing Charity with a national remit developing programmes and services for ex-offenders across the country and serving as part of their senior leadership team.
It is a privilege now to combine my working experience and my faith filled passion for my local community to work and serve within my home area in the Black Country and impact the lives of the young people in this community.
Steve Lee
Chief Finance Officer
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Steve Lee
Chief Finance Officer
Steve joined the YMCA in late 2024 after a period of working for a large care charity and undertaking interim assignments in Coventry for the City of Culture, Diocesan Board of Finance and Cathedral. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and after qualifying and working in the commercial sector, has spent the last 20 years in the Charity and not for profit sector. He has extensive experience in business strategy, maximising cashflow, financial controls and risk management, but his main passion is building effective and motivated teams that focus on longer term sustainability.”
Outside of work I serve as a committed member of the local church, keeping fit via 5-a-side football, swimming, cycling and walking. I have a heart for the City of Wolverhampton and long to see people come into a living relationship with Jesus – my Saviour and King!
Sally Cowan
Chief Officer (Places)
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Sally Cowan
Chief Officer (Places)
Prior to the YMCA I founded a youth homelessness project in the Wyre Forest, and gained front line experience of working with vulnerable young people who have been made homeless. It was here that my dedication to serving communities was ignited.
I’ve been a part of the YMCA family since 2007 and feel blessed every day to be part of such an amazing organisation. I believe that the work of the YMCA really does have the power to transform lives – and see this evidenced everyday through the dedication and hard work of our staff teams.
Anthony Coton
Head of Housing
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Anthony Coton
Head of Housing
Donna Barrett
Sandwell Housing Manager
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Donna Barrett
Sandwell Housing Manager
Anna Burden
Living Springs Lead
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Anna Burden
Living Springs Lead
I have been leading Living Springs family supported housing for almost five years, with the project joining the YMCA Black Country Group in 2025. I come from a background in Social Work then 20 years in the charity sector in various roles, alongside volunteering in service and leadership roles in my local church and community.
I am passionate about social justice and advocating for people who need support to survive and go on to flourish. My Christian faith inspires me to see each person with respect and dignity, and I love seeing the difference a positive and supportive environment can have on families
Tracy Costin
Y-Living Manager
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Tracy Costin
Y-Living Manager
Robert Harrison
Wolverhampton Housing Manager
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Robert Harrison
Wolverhampton Housing Manager
Stanley Ifamene
Open Door Manager
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Stanley Ifamene
Open Door Manager
Shirley Spicer
Dudley Housing Manager
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Shirley Spicer
Dudley Housing Manager
Amanda Watkiss
Rugeley Housing Manager
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Amanda Watkiss
Rugeley Housing Manager
I’m a Housing Services Manager at YMCA Black Country Group, supporting young people aged 16 to 25 in supported accommodation. I love empowering young people to build confidence, develop independence and move towards a brighter future. Seeing their progress and knowing our work makes a difference is incredibly rewarding.
Lynne Worsnop
Walsall Housing Manager
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Lynne Worsnop
Walsall Housing Manager
Lenny Allan
Supported Housing Compliance Manager
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Lenny Allan
Supported Housing Compliance Manager
Caroline Boyce
Housing Rent Officer
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Caroline Boyce
Housing Rent Officer
Anthony Coton
Head of Housing
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Anthony Coton
Head of Housing
I have worked with YMCA Black Country Group for 15 years, progressing through a range of housing roles and now serving as Head of Housing. I began my career as a YMCA youth worker and remain passionate about supporting young people. Outside work, I enjoy family life with my partner Carla and coaching our daughter Chloe’s cycling at weekends.
Natasha Brookes
Head of Early Years
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Natasha Brookes
Head of Early Years
I joined the YMCA in January 2019 and have developed my managerial and leadership skills in various roles within the Nursery department before progressing to Nursery Area Manager and then Head of Early Years.
I have over 15 years of experience working in childcare and have a real passion for supporting all children in their early years’ experience. I truly believe a child’s early education lasts a lifetime and am committed to ensuring that every child gets the best start in life.
In my spare time I spend as much time as I can with my little boy, I like to read and enjoy going to the gym.
Natalie Gilliland
PA to Chief Officers
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Natalie Gilliland
PA to Chief Officers
I have worked for YMCA BCG (previously West Bromwich & District YMCA) since September 2002.
My main role is organising and supporting the Chief Officers and Board of Trustees, which I have a great rapport with. I must say we have an exceptional staff team and I enjoy the variety of my role – every day is different.
I’m married with 2 grown up children and continue to enjoy playing Netball (yes, it’s outside in all weathers), walking my dog and occasionally running or going to the gym.
Jim Gowman
Head of Premises, Health & Safety & IT
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Jim Gowman
Head of Premises, Health & Safety & IT
I joined the YMCA in November 2003 having worked as a trades person within the building trade amongst other things.
I feel honoured to be part of the Corporate Team as we work tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver a high quality service that impacts positively to the lives of the people we serve.
During my spare time, I am usually teaching Tae Kwon-Do at my locally run club, I am currently a 5th Degree Black Belt with The TAGB.
Louise Kumar
Head of Skills & Community Services
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Louise Kumar
Head of Skills & Community Services
I started working as the Charity Administrator for First Base Walsall in 2011, the charity merged with YMCA Black Country Group in 2013 and I have developed my managerial and leadership skills in various roles within the Programmes team before becoming the Head of Business and Community Development.
Prior to working for the YMCA I had a passion for working with children/young people and leading peer groups in their Christian journey. I still feel incredibly blessed to be working for an organisation where its values reflect that of my own.
Outside of work I love to spend time with my family, and I’m kept incredibly busy by my two daughters. We like to go for walks with our dog, and enjoy baking and crafting together.
Grace Maddocks
Head of Communications
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Grace Maddocks
Head of Communications
I joined West Bromwich & District YMCA back in 2009 as a Marketing & Fundraising Apprentice. I continued working with the Group for 5 years until I left to pursue a career in Graphic Design; after a few years working in various agencies, I eventually had the opportunity to return to YMCA in 2022.
I love working for YMCA; it’s wonderful to be a part of an organisation that has such an impact on so many people. My favourite part of my job is filming case studies and hearing from the people whose lives we’ve touched.
In my spare time, I can be found in my campervan on a hiking trip with my husband and our dog Duke, I’m also a keen runner and enjoy indoor bouldering.
Jo Phillips
Head of Finance
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Jo Phillips
Head of Finance
I joined YMCA in 2017 as a CIMA qualified Accountant.
Prior to working here, I gained over 20 years’ experience working as a Management Accountant or other finance role within the charitable housing sector. It is a pleasure to work for the YMCA a wonderful organisation that has a positive impact on so many young lives.
Outside of work I spend time with my beautiful granddaughter and I also bake and decorate celebration cakes.
Kirstie Stevens
Income Generation Manager
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Kirstie Stevens
Income Generation Manager
I joined YMCA Black Country Group in 2024 as Trusts & Grants Officer and have since progressed within the Programmes team, into the role of Income Generation Manager.
YMCA Black Country Group is an organisation that makes a positive impact across communities, and I am proud to be a part of its mission.
Outside of work, I enjoy a range of gym classes, getting outside for long walks and spending quality time with my family and friends.
Linsey Wildsmith
Head of Christian Mission
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Linsey Wildsmith
Head of Christian Mission
I joined the YMCA in September 2023, having previously worked for a network of Black Country churches to organise large Christian festivals and inter-church events and to encourage collaboration and togetherness between Christians across the region.
I’m thrilled to be working with YMCA Black Country group to help people both inside and outside of the organisation to understand the Christian ethos that motivates and underpins the work we do and to support all of our staff and service users to truly belong, contribute and thrive.
I am happily married and have two young children. In my spare time I enjoy distance-running, spending time with my family and performing around the country in an ABBA tribute band!
Policy Overviews
As a registered social landlord, a range of policies guide the services we provide and the decisions we make. These policies set out our commitments to residents, ensure we meet our legal and regulatory responsibilities, and help us deliver fair, consistent, and high-quality services. In this section, you can view summaries of our key policies and learn more about the standards and principles that shape our work.
If you would like to read the full version of any of our policies, please email info@ymcabc.org.uk
How to make a complaint
