Board Members

Cloch Housing Association is run by a Board of volunteers made up of customers and local professionals interested in the work we do. They oversee the running of the business through regular Board and Sub-Committee meetings. We currently have 8 Board Members.  This means we have four vacancies on the Board and we are currently actively recruiting for new Board Members.  12 is the maximum number allowed under the Association's Rules. 

Election of Board Members

The Board is chosen from our membership at our AGM each year and we can coopt Board members during the year. 

Joining our Board

If you would like to join our Board, please contact our Customer Support team on 01475 783 637, or alternatively, you can email us at office@clochhousing.org.uk. From there a member of our Corporate Services team will be in contact to discuss what it means to be a Board Member and explain how to apply for a position. 

Looking to Become a  Lifetime Member? 

To join the Board, you must be a member of the Association.  You can become a lifetime member of the Association for £1.  Download our two-page Application Form or contact a member of staff if you would like to discuss further.

Download Application Form

Meet Our Board

Kelly FernsChairperson

Kelly joined the Board in 2013 and was elected to Chairperson in June 2022.  A former resident of Inverclyde, Kelly was keen to make a positive contribution to the area.  With over 20 years’ experience working with a local authority, Kelly has gained a wide range of housing experience, with related academic qualifications including a Degree in Housing Studies. 

As Chair, Kelly chairs all Board Meetings having approved the agenda, oversees the wellbeing and development of the Board with the CEO, is Chair of Disciplinary and Grievance Panels and represents Cloch as and when requested at external meetings.  

The Chair's Remit summaries the duties as, the overall responsibilities of the Chair are to provide leadership to the Board, and to ensure the efficient and proper conduct of the Board’s business, acting on occasions under delegated authority on behalf of the Board.   The Chair is also responsible for establishing and maintaining a constructive and complementary working relationship with the CEO and providing support to him/her.

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Ken RobertsonVice Chairperson

Ken joined the Board in April 2020. As a qualified architect, he has worked both in local government and private practice before setting up his own practice 30 years ago. He has extensive experience in the construction industry and in addition, has served and chaired the Boards of other volunteer organisations. Now nearing retirement he has more time to be able to assist in the local community.

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Eleanor RobertsonBoard Member

Eleanor has been on Cloch Board since 2013 and has a vast amount of experience working with voluntary groups.  In recent times, Eleanor has been on the Board of Inverclyde CVS and works with Inverclyde Tourist Board.  Her knowledge of Greenock is second to none, and she has assisted Cloch with our heritage project and other historical detail in and around our communities.  Eleanor is well known and respected in Inverclyde and her pragmatic approach to governance has been put to good use throughout the years.

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David BrownBoard Member

David joined the Board in September 2020.  He has recently retired after spending over 40 years working in the Power Generation sector and has extensive experience at Senior Management and Board level in a major international Engineering consultancy where his roles included the various aspects of finance, governance and business planning. He is now running a small property portfolio and has time to devote to helping in the local community.

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Jackie SmithBoard Member

Jackie Smith joined the Board in September 2021. As a previous Cloch tenant and a lifelong resident of Inverclyde, she has seen the housing association go from strength to strength. She was keen to join us, seeing this as a fantastic opportunity to grow and learn. With a background in Community Development, she is looking forward to using her 20+ years of experience and adding her voice to our future direction of travel.  

Jackie brings with her a wide array of experiences grounded in addressing social inequalities in both developmental and leadership roles. 

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David McIndoeBoard Member

David joined the Board in February 2023. With 30 years experience at Director level within the client, contracting and housing sectors, he retired from a 20-year career in the housing sector, previously being part of the Leadership Teams within national and regional housing associations. 

A retired Chartered Surveyor, his experience includes Asset Management, Business Growth, Governance and seeking positive Service Delivery to Customers.  

Nicola McLachlanBoard Member

Nicola joined the Board in 2023. Growing up in Inverclyde she has experienced firsthand what it is like to live within Inverclyde. More so, over the past 5 years, she has been working in the health sector within the local area. Nicola is keen to help make a positive impact which supports Cloch's tenants and the wider community, in areas such as housing and health.