Meet the Board

Rhys Thomas, Chair

Rhys is a Chartered Construction Manager with over 12 years of experience in the delivery of new housing and regeneration across South Wales and the Southwest of England. He now works for an innovative Welsh net zero carbon technology start up focussed on delivering affordable decarbonisation solutions for the social housing sector across the UK.

Rhys has been part of the board since 2015 and served as Vice Chair for over 5 years. In his personal life Rhys lives in the Vale of Glamorgan with his young family and in his spare time likes to help on the family farm.

Shani Payter

As a Newydd Tenant of around 28 years, Shani is passionate about ensuring that our homes are safe, affordable and are fit for the future. Working within Housing Management, Homelessness and Community Investment, Shani has the unique perspective of having both delivered and received services from a Housing perspective.

Padma Ramanan

Padma joined Newydd in September 2022 as Common Board Member (Trustee). As a CCAB Qualified finance professional, she brings a wealth of experience to our Board. Padma has worked for 8 years in local government and 10 years in the NHS as Head of Finance in Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Children's services. She also served a Trustee at the Bristol Law Centre for 7 years until 2021; including six years as Treasurer, during which time she was the Chair of the finance committee and provided financial expertise on the Board of Trustees.

Rachel Jones

Rachel joined Newydd Board in 2019 and has 25 years of public sector experience across a range of services, including roles in Welsh Government, Cardiff and Vale Health Board and Cardiff Council. Rachel is currently an Associate Director for Marie Curie with responsibility for end-of-life care services in Wales.

Nick Lawley

Nick is a Director at Cooke & Arkwright Chartered Surveyors, based in Cardiff. He brings to Newydd 22 years of experience in the Chartered Surveying industry, advising clients on residential development land and the sale and acquisition of commercial property investments. Nick has been a member of the Board since September 2020 and is Chair of the Living Quarters Wales Board.

Ceri Morgan

Ceri is a solicitor and Head of Corporate at a Welsh RSL. She leads governance and assurance frameworks, oversees procurement and H&S teams, and provides housing management advice. Ceri is dedicated to delivering sustainable, high-quality homes and driving positive outcomes for communities.

Hayley Mellors

Hayley has over 15 years of experience working in public affairs and communications in Wales. She has been recently appointed to the Newydd Board.

Emma Goodjohn

Emma is a Newydd Tenant living in Social Housing for 22 years. A County Councillor and Town Councillor. Trustee for YMCA Barry, School Governor Whitmore High and Chair Buttrills Community Centre. Professional musician of 22 years was regional representative for Musicians Against Homelessness. Advocate for autism & long-term home educator.

Lynne Burrows

Lynne is a CCAB qualified accountant with 40 years experience gained working in strategic roles in both the Private and Public sector at National, Regional and local level. Lynne recently retired from the NHS where she was the Lead for the National Imaging Programme delivering strategic programmes of work. Lynne joined Newydd in 2019 and also sits on the Newydd Maintenance Limited Board.