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David Bird is our newest board member. David brings a wealth of experience of managing audit and regulatory issues, having spent over 15 years in senior leadership roles in the financial services sector. He is passionate about helping people be the best they can be and supporting their ambition. We asked him a few questions so we can find out more about him.

You are a newest board member. Why did you want to join?

I joined Westward about two years ago on the Audit and Assurance Committee. That committee is responsible for making sure that we comply with various regulations and we're keeping our customers safe and we're doing what we're supposed to be doing. But as you get more and more involved in the committee, you realise what great things the broader business is doing. Joining the main board gives me the opportunity to play a role in the development of the strategy, the mission, and continue the values that Westward holds so dear. So, I suppose it's a natural extension to do more good for a great organisation.

What is your favourite thing about working for Westward?

It comes down to people. The executive team, leadership, other board members, the customers, they are all great people. We all want to achieve the same thing, providing quality homes and healthy communities. It’s brilliant being part of a successful team. You get so much back for the work we put in and you can actually see the benefits of all our efforts. So, I just love it.

What have your previous roles included and how have these helped you with your work as a board member?

I spent 36 years in commercial banking in various  guises. I have led teams and built them from scratch. Commercial banking is highly regulated, so I'm used to dealing with rules and regulations. Customer satisfaction is also key in banking so mirrors housing in that way.

So those experience has been useful - having to adhere to deadlines, set strategies, and work with people because both are real people businesses. 

And then alongside that, I'm a trustee of the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, which is a charity set up to help other charities in the greater Exeter area. I'm also a non-executive on the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership board. Again, that's trying to help the economic prosperity in the region.

These types of roles give me access to different views and gives me quite a broad perspective. It has been very useful to bring these experiences to Westward.

Why is affordable housing so vital for our communities?

Well, we all know living in the south west, the cost of housing is just astronomic and continues to outstrip the growth in wages. And with a young family myself, I can relate to it personally because I can see affordable housing probably being the way my children are going to get onto the housing ladder and to be able to fly the nest, as it were.

So, it's crucial. Having somewhere to live, somewhere to prosper, is a fundamental human right if you ask me.

What are your interests?

I love rugby. I'm a trustee of the Exeter Chiefs Foundation and have supported the club since the old county ground days. I am a season ticket holder which is a huge bonus. I also played a bit of rugby, obviously not the same standard as the Chiefs is at. So, I've got a real passion about rugby, but also giving back to the community.

I've done coaching over the years for youth rugby teams. I've been on various committees and organised fundraising for the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, where we have raised over £2million for good causes in the greater Exeter area.

I'm at a stage of my career where I've gone self-employed and I've taken the opportunity to manage my time, partly doing commercial things and making a living, but I also try and balance that by giving something back on the charitable front.

And what do you love most about living in the southwest?

Apart from four years, I've lived all my life in the southwest. I love the way of life. It's beaches, fresh air, lovely people, quality businesses and there are a variety of things to do.

One of the things that kind of holds the south west back is transport links and I’m working with the LEP and trying to improve that.

Going through the pandemic over the last couple years, it makes you appreciate even more how lucky we are to live in this area.