Bernicia appoints new Executive Director of Communities

As it puts the final pieces of its next corporate strategy in place, Bernicia is expanding and strengthening its executive team with the appointment of Jenny Allinson as Executive Director of Communities.

‘Supporting Opportunity’ in the North East is the key aim of Bernicia’s next corporate strategy 2026-31.

With a commitment to invest over £425m into homes, services, people and partnerships, it aims to generate what it’s calling ‘The Bernicia Effect’ – achieved through a series of cogent activities designed to help unlock the potential of individuals, communities and the North East.

Bernicia Chief Executive John Johnston said: “The Board and I are delighted to welcome Jenny into the Executive Team. As Director of Corporate Governance at Bernicia, Jenny also led our employability and wider CSR work. She has grown the reach, range and impact of initiatives that have supported thousands of people into training and employment.

“The new role of Executive Director of Communities will combine our housing services and community support ventures, targeting investments and resources in ways that will achieve the greatest impact.

“We look forward with determination and drive, to create opportunities that improve people’s quality of life.

“By understanding our neighbourhoods and listening to our customers, we know some face barriers to living well, achieving their potential and feeling connected to their community.

“Extending her expertise, passion and creativity to the design and delivery of housing services will create more opportunities to engage and support people to live well in their homes, their neighbourhood and within their community.”

Jenny said: “I am thrilled to be joining Bernicia’s Executive Team at such an exciting time of potential and possibility. Our objectives and commitments in the coming years are rightly ambitious and put to work our incredible range of skills and expertise, as well as our financial capacity.

“This new role reinvigorates our focus on engaging and empowering people to take advantage of the opportunities we will help create. Through this role I am delighted to have my own opportunity to help achieve The Bernicia Effect, for the benefit of tenants, customers, communities and the region.”

Bernicia is one of the largest housing providers and businesses in the North East of England. It provides homes and services for over 60,000 people, employs 650 colleagues and has an annual turnover of £100m.