Audit and Risk Committee
What does the audit and risk committee do?
The Audit and Risk Committee is a sub-committee of the board of Berneslai Homes. Their main job is to make sure the company is being honest and careful with its finances and diligently managing the risks facing the business. This is to make sure the company can sustainably provide quality homes and services over the long term.
Who is on the committee?
The Committee is made up of board members (including at least one Berneslai Homes’ tenant) who are experienced in finance, risk management and governance.
What are the main responsibilities of the committee?
These include:
- Checking the numbers – they look at Berneslai Homes’ financial statements to make sure they’re accurate and follow the rules
- Keeping things secure - they make sure there are good systems in place to protect Berneslai Homes and Barnsley Council’s money, homes and customers.
- Avoiding problems - they identify potential risks Berneslai Homes might face and help plan to avoid those problems
- Following the rules - they make sure Berneslai Homes is following all the laws, codes and rules related to its business
Meet our committee
Adam Hutchinson, Audit and Risk Committee Chair
Adam has worked in social housing for nearly 20 years and is currently Director of Financial Operations at Incommunities Ltd, a housing association based in Yorkshire.
He's a qualified accountant and a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
Outside of work, Adam has a young family, suffers the trails and tribulations of the Bradford Bulls rugby league team, and enjoys rowing with Bradford Amateur Rowing Club.
Cllr Jayne Hulme, Council member
Jayne Hulme is a councillor for Athersley and New Lodge and was appointed as an elected councillor for the Berneslai Homes Board on Friday 29 May. Jayne sits on the Audit and Risk Committee.
Jo Sugden, Senior Independent Director
Jo was appointed in April 2021 as an independent member and sits on the Audit and Risk Committee. From January 2026, Jo was appointed as a Senior Independent Director and Deputy Chair.
She has experience in both private and public sector throughout her career and now works for Ongo (a stock transfer housing association based in North Lincolnshire).
Jo joined Ongo from the first day it was formed in 2007 (as North Lincolnshire Homes) and was part of the transfer team which led the transfer of homes from North Lincolnshire Council and established the new business. She's now their Director of Corporate and Compliance with experience in human resources, governance, risk management, health and safety, procurement and value for money, and customer engagement.
When Jo's not at work, she can usually be found at the stables with her homes, two colonies of bees, or generally enjoying the great outdoors.
George Paterson, Independent member
George was appointed in January 2026 and sits on the Audit and Risk Committee. He is the Asset Management and Repairs Board Champion.
George retired from full-time employment in April 2024 after more than 40 years in the housing sector (both local authority and housing association roles). He has 20 years' experience at executive director and director level in a wide range of roles, including strategic leadership, property services, corporate services, housing management, and PFI.
As Executive Director of Property at Together Housing he managed all of the repairs and asset management and led on the building safety works required after the Grenfell tragedy.
George believes strongly in tenants' voice in housing and worked closely with tenants to develop services with them at the PFI contract in Pendleton, Salford. He was brought up in a council house in Dundee and wants to see good-quality homes and services for tenants and believes the strong partnership between Barnsley Council and Berneslai Homes can deliver this.
Away from work, George is a keen football fan and frequently travels north of the border with his son to watch Glasgow Celtic.
Aisling McNulty, Audit and Risk Committee Co-optee
Aisling was appointed in January 2026 and is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. Aisling brings over 20 years of experience in property, construction, and development. She has a strong track record in creating high-quality, well-designed spaces that positively influence place, residents, and the wider community.
Aisling believes that collaboration and diverse perspectives are essential to delivering successful, community-centred projects. She has led a wide range of asset management programmes. Sustainability is central to Aisling's approach. She is committed to reducing environmental impact through smarter property and construction solutions.
Aisling also serves as a Trustee for Norfox and the Hebden Bridge Nursery Action Group, both of which are dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people. Aisling lives in West Yorkshire on the Pennines with her husband, two young children, and their beagle.
Gez Morrall, Tenant member
Gez was appointed in December 2023 as a tenant member.
He has 30 years' experience in the education and charity sectors and is now the Manager of the Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall, providing services to the local community. The Village Hall supplies office spaces and provides a safe and warm for people to meet up, learn, connect, and make new friends.
Gez is passionate about improving and supporting his local community and volunteers with a variety of local activities in the neighbourhood. He is a member of the Darton East Ward Alliance, and he provides warm spaces and hot drinks in the Village Hall in inclement weather.
Gez enjoys horticulture and supports accredited learning at the Village Halll. Gez enjoys spending time with his family at his allotment and running a community garden which he funds himself, donating surplus fruit and vegetables back into the community.