David McKee
Ian Grattidge, Chair
Julie Phillips
Pat Mayer
Steve Platt, Deputy Chair
Alex Yew
Inspired by founder, Beatrice Wilson, in 1948, Rockdale is a registered social landlord and has been supporting older people in Sevenoaks for 75 years. Today it is home to over 200 residents in a range of sheltered accommodation and to residents living in our 48 bed residential care home.
Whether you opt to rent or purchase your property, or move to our residential home, you will be part of a welcoming community nestled in the centre of Sevenoaks Town. For many of our residents the knowledge that our staff are on site 24-hours a day brings peace of mind so that they can enjoy their retirement.
We are a not-for-profit charitable organisation which enables us to keep Rockdale affordable for all and any profits are invested back into the Association and not to shareholders. We are governed by a Board of Trustees which ensures that Rockdale adheres to its values and principles of providing the best, affordable housing to older people in Sevenoaks.
Originally set up by a pioneering lady of Sevenoaks, Miss Beatrice Wilson, Rockdale is steadfast in its founding principles which Miss Wilson set out over 60 years ago. Miss Wilson trained as a physiotherapist at St Guys Hospital in London and ran her own clinic on Southpark called The Vitasan.
Upon her return from service overseas during the war, whilst still operating her clinic, she raised enough money to purchase Rockdale House (now Laurie House) which she converted into a residential home for the elderly in 1953.
Miss Wilson continued to fundraise further and between 1958-1968 she was able to construct 86 apartments for independent living which our residents continue to enjoy today. She was a truly remarkable woman who has provided so many people with a beautiful home. Today, we continue her efforts by developing the site and upholding her values so that Rockdale will always be a wonderful place to live.
Rockdale’s mission is to provide housing, care and other help for older people which they can afford, and which will enable them to maintain or improve their quality of life. Its objectives are:
To provide good quality homes and support services for older people which meet their changing needs. This means we will:
• provide well managed housing cost-effectively and to high standards
• consult with residents, tenants and leaseholders on the services provided
• regularly monitor, evaluate and strive to improve services
• provide efficient and responsive repair services, and make adequate provision for planned maintenance
• make the best use of our assets to maintain a sustainable community
• offer appropriate advice to services and welfare benefits.
To offer high quality residential care.
• aim to establish Rockdale House as a model of excellence in residential care
• recognise that the quality of residential care is dependent on the quality of the staff providing it, and thus place a high priority on the recruitment, training and retention of staff
To sustain and develop its charitable work.
• set aside such capacity and funding as can be afforded by the Association for the support of those who do not have the financial means to access our services
• account clearly for our charitable work through external reporting
• seek grants and donations for the support and expansion of our charitable work
Chris took up the role of CEO at Rockdale in January 2022 and was previously CEO at the Crossways Charity in Tunbridge Wells, where he has been working for the past 6.5 years.
Before Crossways, Chris was a City Lawyer, working for Trowers & Hamlins concentrating on property development for housing associations.
Chris has been a Board Member for several committees and is currently on the Board at the Kenward Trust in Yalding, a charity supporting those affected by addiction, homelessness, and crime.
Claire Billis joined Rockdale Housing in June 2020 in the role of Head of Housing, became interim CEO of Rockdale during 2021 and now Heads our Housing and Maintenance team.
Before joining Rockdale, Claire worked for a number of Social Housing Providers in a variety of roles, spanning 25 years. Claire spent the last 14 years working at Clarion Housing where she was primarily responsible for the strategic direction of Housing Services, ensuring the delivery was both innovative and customer focused.
Trupti joined Rockdale in January 2022 and has worked in different care sectors for the last 18 years. They have consisted of both residential and nursing homes, specialising in various areas including dementia care.
Trupti believes in person centred care and is passionate about making a difference, providing care and support that puts people first. Trupti says: ‘It has always been my aim to deliver the highest standard of care and to ensure a high quality of life, filled with dignity and respect’.
“I have worked within HA sector for the last 8 years. I have come to Rockdale from Shepherds Bush Housing Association where I worked for the last 3 years, and before that I worked at mhs homes for 5 years.
Previous to that I worked at Barclays Bank within their HR department for 4 years.
I am really excited to be joining Rockdale HA. I am proud to be working within a sector that makes a difference to people’s lives and Rockdale has that true community feel. I’m passionate about the positive role HR and Governance has to play in engaging and supporting employees to deliver an excellent service for our residents.”
Denise has worked in the housing and charity sector for over 25 years delivering project management, marketing and fundraising. At least ten years working for Moat, a leading housing association in the South East and more recently, with charity, Scotts Project Trust, as Manager of Marketing, PR and Community Fundraising.
We are tremendously grateful to our Board of Trustees who work entirely on a voluntary basis, and are responsible for formulating the Association’s policy and monitoring its work. Many of them have impressive professional backgrounds which brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our organisation.
David McKee
Ian Grattidge, Chair
Julie Phillips
Pat Mayer
Steve Platt, Deputy Chair
Alex Yew