Our scrutiny team

Sandie Smith, scrutiny team member

Originally from Durban in South Africa, the United Kingdom has been my home for almost 35 years. I have 2 grown up children and 4 grandchildren of which the youngest are 18 month old twin boys that definitely keep me on my toes!

Over the years I have enjoyed completing various courses and a variety of jobs. I love designing and making clothes something I would like to spend more time on. Crafting for me is a fantastic way to relax.

I moved into my Selwood home in Bradford on Avon on 25 October 2022, I’m very much enjoying being part of the scrutiny team and looking forward to contributing in due course.

Roy Derrick, scrutiny team member

Somerset born, I have spent time moving around the country with the Ministry of Defence, finally moving to Chippenham when posted to Corsham. Since late 2020 I have been living in Trowbridge, after becoming a Selwood Housing tenant.

Before retiring to look after my wife, I spent over 40 years working with the Ministry of Defence in Information & Communications Technology. From being a Mainframe (a type of computer dinosaur) operator, a Programmer, and then into Project Management.

I enjoy picking up new skills and utilising old ones, and I think this stands me in good stead as a new member of Selwood Housing’s scrutiny team.

Asma Bakali-Laughton, scrutiny team member

I have lived in Trowbridge for most of my life. I have left in the past but like a boomerang, I always return as it’s home for me. I have been a Selwood Housing customer since May 2011.

I joined the Scrutiny Team in May 2024 after reading the customer update, which I receive monthly via e-mail. It informs customers of recent updates within Selwood Housing and I personally find it very informative. Any customer can sign up, and there is often the opportunity to have your say through various platforms. I wanted to be a small part of that and contribute. So, here I am!

Being a scrutiny team member works around my job and it gives me a better understanding of what my Landlord is doing for me and others.

Stuart Booth-Roderick, scrutiny team member

Having spent many years working and living in London, I was made redundant from my job within the government and decided at this point to move back to Wiltshire and to the family home.

Sadly, not long after moving home I became repeatedly unwell and ultimately paralysed due to a rare condition.

I moved into a Selwood Housing home in July 2022 and have been amazed at their level of service and the way that they deal with the customers.

I read an email one day in hospital about the scrutiny team and having done some scrutiny in previous jobs I joined the team in May 2023.

Hazel Brooks, scrutiny team member

I have been a tenant of Selwood Housing since 1995, happily living in Warminster with my dog Nelly. My past work experience has included being a field officer for the Institute of Engineering Designers.

I feel passionate about the environment and sustainability, and I am interested in industrial archaeology, gardening, travel, the theatre and singing.

Also, I have volunteered as a Street Pastor and go into a local school as a mentor. I am looking forward to learning more about social housing and the plans for Selwood Housing.

David Tarsnane, scrutiny team member

After leaving HM Forces in 1978 when I was stationed in Warminster, I settled in this area. I moved into my present accommodation in 1982, which was at that time owned by the council, meaning I have been a tenant for over 30 years.

After travelling the UK as a sales manager, I completed my career at Wiltshire College in Trowbridge, where I was an information and learning technology aide.

After attending many of their monthly focus groups in the last year I was asked if I would be interested in joining the scrutiny team which I happily agreed to, in the hope that I could also contribute to the smooth running of Selwood Housing.