The chief executive of a Bristol-based housing association has announced that she will be stepping down after 16 years at the organisation.
Oona Goldsworthy, chief executive of United Communities, is leaving to take up the role of chief executive of Brunelcare, a small housing association that provides care homes and support to older people.
United Communities, which manages more than 1,800 homes across Bristol and Swindon, was formed in 2017 when United Housing Association merged with Bristol Community Housing Association (BCHA).
Ms Goldsworthy joined BCHA in 2003 and became the first chief executive of United Communities when the merger took place.
Ms Goldsworthy said that her decision to move to Brunelcare was driven by her personal experience navigating the social care system as a carer.
In April Brunelcare was downgraded to a G2 rating for governance. The regulator said that its board “has failed to manage its affairs with sufficient diligence and foresight”.
The 1,100-home housing association was also found to have caused potentially “serious detriment” to its tenants over health and safety issues.
Andy Wills, chair of United Communities, said: “Oona has provided outstanding leadership to United Communities and the wider housing agenda in Bristol.
“I look forward to working with Oona in her new role as chief executive of a valued partner of United Communities.”
Ms Goldsworthy said: “It has been such a huge privilege to have led United Communities and to work with such great people and residents over the years.
“Together we have created thousands of homes and built new communities, giving many families somewhere safe and secure as a springboard for their lives.”