The Chair of Leathermarket JMB, John Paul Maytum, was honoured with a Southwark Civic Award for his work with the JMB and other local groups in a ceremony at St George’s RC Cathedral on Saturday 7 May.
John Paul was presented with a formal letter of commendation by former Mayor Councillor Jeff Hook (pictured), representing the Old Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey, as part of the 2011 Southwark Civic Awards, organised by Southwark Civic Association.
John Paul said:
“I was delighted and honoured to receive this prestigious award. I feel this award is not just for me, but reflects the countless hours that so many residents give to ensure that Leathermarket JMB and its Tenants and Residents Associations serve the people on our estates.
“The fact that JMB residents are so much happier with their services than Southwark Council tenants is a testament to the work and commitment that is put in by our volunteer Directors and colleagues on TRAs. I am delighted that Southwark Civic Association have recognised this with this award.”
The full citation for John Paul’s award read:
John Paul is Chair of Leathermarket Joint Mangement Board, which is a resident-managed organisation with 1500 council tenancies. The Directors are residents, nominated by their Tenants and Residents Associations, and give their time voluntarily. The Board has governance responsibilities: 40 paid staff, £6million rent collection, and £3m spent on day-to-day services and major works.
John Paul, a senior civil servant who specialises in communication, has for more than five years given his time freely to help improve services provided to residents – including the Board’s very impressive website.
John Paul was selected, following a competitive interview process, to serve on the National Tenant Voice – a national organisation aimed at giving social tenants a say in housing policy.
He is also Chair of the Lawson Estate Tenants & Residents Association and a regular attendeed at Chaucer Safer Neighbourhood Ward Panel meetings where problems of antisocial behaviour are discussed with the Police and at the Borough and Bankside Housing Forum.
