Insight into being a Board Member Tabani Ndlovu is an Independent Member of Derby Homes Board.  Here are some of Tabani’s thoughts about being a Board Member.

Tabani, you have been a Board member for the last three years.  What have you enjoyed the most?

I am proud to have been associated with the successful drive to improve the quality of council housing in Derby.  I like putting smiles on people’s faces and solving problems.  Achieving a 3-star Audit Commission rating for the second time confirmed that Derby Homes is doing something right.  There have been challenging times but I have enjoyed the consultative approach that the different stakeholders adopted.  One of my philosophies in life is that “There is always a better way of doing things” and I am glad that Derby Homes always aims to take leadership in breaking new grounds and deliver a better service to tenants.

What have you found most challenging about being a Board member?

Balancing time between Derby Homes, my family and other commitments has always been a challenge, particularly where I have to attend meetings during the day - I am employed full time, married and have a 10-year old son!  On the business side, balancing cost considerations and social necessities is tough.

What have you learnt from your experience as a Board member?

The concept of placing tenants at the heart of our strategy, planning processes and consulting with our wider groups of stakeholders.

What skills and experience do you feel you contribute?

My business management background has helped me to play a key role in helping shape Derby Homes’ values and behaviours, as well as working closely with the Performance Management team.  I sit on the Audit Committee where my experience in finance helps ensure that there are adequate checks and balances in the organisational systems.  I am the lead Board member on Equalities, helping to make sure that we address the needs of all relevant parties.

What future initiatives would you like to see at Derby Homes?

As part of our strategic objective on environmental issues, I believe there is a lot more we can do to minimise our impact on the environment, whilst continuing to deliver excellent housing services to the people of Derby.