Reflections on 15 years of progress

A hugely important member of the Homes in Somerset Board, Jenny Vernon, waves farewell after 15 years.

While Jenny will be sorely missed, we are grateful for everything she has achieved for the organisation, and here we share her thoughts and reflections.

“After 15 incredible years with Homes in Somerset, I’m saying goodbye. Here are some of my highlights and why I’ll always treasure this journey.

“July 2025 marked the end of my 15-year journey with Homes in Somerset. It’s hard to sum up an experience that spanned so many changes, challenges, and highlights, but I wanted to take a moment to reflect.

“My involvement began way back during the government’s stock transfer programme, when I supported tenants navigating big decisions about the future of their homes. Over the next few years, I provided further training and advice, before eventually serving as an independent board member.

“I didn’t expect the journey to last 15 years – but I’m so glad it did.

“Some moments I’ll never forget:

• Meeting passionate tenant leaders like Chris Mosely, who went from fierce campaigner to Chair of the Board, and Marie Hide, whose tenacity and determination to improve homes and services for tenants continues today.
• Running training sessions that gave tenants the skills and confidence to challenge leadership when their voices weren’t being heard – and seeing them succeed.
• Helping shape a new organisation when tenants worked with the council to re-create the ALMO model that gave them real influence in decisions.
• Serving on the board and chairing Audit & Risk Committee through many ups and downs, helping Homes in Somerset grow from a struggling organisation into a confident, respected one that embraces flexibility and puts tenants at the heart of what it does.

“If there’s one constant in social housing, it’s change. Over the years, we faced shifts in government policy, changes in leadership, and more recently the merger into Somerset Council. This has required us all to change the way we worked.  ‘Business as normal’ no longer exists.  But through it all, the power of tenants’ voices – and the capability and dedication of staff colleagues – made the real difference.

“I’m genuinely gutted to step away at such a pivotal moment. Homes in Somerset now has a strong Board, a capable leadership team, fantastic staff and an active, growing tenants’ group. I’m confident the organisation is ready for its next chapter – whatever form that takes.

“To everyone I’ve worked with: thank you for the memories, the challenges, and the laughs. I’ll miss being part of the day-to-day, but I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines (and yes, I’ll still be liking your posts!).

“Here’s to the future of Homes in Somerset – and to the tenants, board members, staff colleagues and partners who continue to shape it.”

Ben Lane, the Director of Finance, reflected on Jenny’s time with Homes in Somerset.

“Jenny has been such an important part of the Homes in Somerset family for the past 15 years. From her early days supporting tenants through the stock transfer programme, to her role on the Board and as Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee, she has always stood up for what matters most – making sure tenants’ voices are heard loud and clear. Her passion, energy, and courage to challenge us in the right way have left a real mark on the way we work. Many of the successes we celebrate today carry Jenny’s fingerprints, and we know our journey wouldn’t have been the same without her.

More than her experience and knowledge, though, it’s Jenny’s warmth, humour and genuine care for people that we’ll miss the most. She has been a champion for tenants, a wise and steady influence in the boardroom, and a great friend to so many of us along the way. As she steps away, we’ll miss her presence hugely – but we’re also excited to see what comes next for her. Jenny, thank you for everything you’ve given to Homes in Somerset. You’ll always be part of our story, and we’ll be cheering you on just as you’ve always cheered us.”