HISTORY
Formation and Background
Cotman Housing Association (CHA) is a non-profit-making housing association registered as an Industrial and Provident Society with the Registrar of Friendly Societies and having the status of a charity.
The Association was founded in 1970 and was registered by the Housing Corporation in 1975.
In 1981 Cotman Housing Association established a 'sister' organisation, Cotman Housing Services Ltd (CHS), to promote low-cost home ownership initiatives. Changes in charitable law subsequently enabled CHA, subject to certain restrictive conditions, to undertake low cost home ownership. In view of this the Associations mutually agreed that there was no benefit in CHS continuing as a separate entity, and the transfer of CHS engagements to CHA consequently took place in 1997.
In 2000 the Association moved from its original premises at Bishopgate, Norwich to larger accommodation at St Martin's Lane, Norwich. In August 2008, the Association moved from St Martin's Lane to its current office at Bowthorpe Hall, Bowthorpe.
In April 2009, the Association officially entered the Places for People Group.
Structure
The affairs of Cotman Housing Association are directed by the Board of Management.
The Association has a consultative body of the Cotman Customer Body.
Following extensive consultation with the Association's Residents and stakeholders, it was agreed that Board members would receive a modest annual payment for their services, in acknowledgement of their responsibilities and contribution. This payment was introduced with effect from July 2007.
Under the direction of the Board of Management the Association is managed by an Executive Team consisting of its Managing Director, Director of Asset Management & Property Services, and Director of Neighbourhoods & Support Services. The Executive Team combines with managers from each area of operation to form the Management Team, which oversees progress with achieving corporate objectives.