The association was formed in 1964 by the then Mayor of Reading James Butcher (right). The main aim at the time was to provide sheltered accommodation for people of retirement age and therefore free-up family accommodation that was occupied by elderly couples or single people whose family had moved away. Since then James Butcher HA has developed general needs housing as well as sheltered accommodation and now provides homes for all age groups.

James Butcher HA employs over 180 members of staff throughout its offices and schemes and owns around 4,200 properties throughout the south of England. In 2006 James Butcher HA joined Southern Housing Group, one of the largest providers of affordable rented accommodation in southern England, housing 48,000 residents, owning and managing 24,000 homes, employing 900 people and working with over 70 local authorities

James Butcher HA's strategic direction is set Group-wide by the Board of Southern Housing Group and at local level by the Board of James Butcher which is responsible for overseeing the work and direction of the organisation, working with the Executive Team below:

For a structure chart of staff based at our main Theale office, please click here.