Framework
The overall objective of the governance and management arrangements at Campden Hill Court is to maintain and enhance its position as one of the premium mansion blocks in Kensington and, thereby, to protect the value of the investments made by the owners of the apartments.
The key players in the delivery of this objective are the elected board of directors and, reporting to the board, the external managing agent and on-site team, led by the resident estate manager. There is also an informal house committee which discusses matters of interest to residents.
Board of directors
Members of the board are elected for three year terms at the annual meeting of the two Campden Hill Court companies. They are all owner occupiers and give their time on a voluntary basis. Each of them brings his or her own expertise and experience to board deliberations.
The board has a particular responsibility as trustee of Campden Hill Court’s special identity and character. At the same time, it acts on behalf of all owners and residents to ensure that the building is well-managed and well-maintained, that priority is given to good service and that there is appropriate stewardship of the service charge and other fees collected from owners.
This is an oversight role. The board sets strategy and determines policy. Implementation of its decisions is the function of the managing agent which it appoints and the on-site staff.
A full description of the role, responsibilities and profile of the Campden Hill Court board and of individual board members can be read here.
Managing agent
The role of the managing agent is one of delivery and report back to the board. The managing agent identifies issues and brings them to the attention of the board, suggesting options and possible courses of action.
The managing agent provides property administration services, covering such matters as changes of ownership, tenancies, budgeting and accounts, insurance, contracts and alterations to individual flats. It has overall responsibility for maintaining the fabric of the building, including appropriate selection and use of outside contractors and professional services firms. It ensures efficient management and, where appropriate, provides advice and support to individual owners and residents.
The managing agent currently is Aspect Property Management Limited, 4th Floor, Warwick House, 25 – 27 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PP. The firm was incorporated in 2005 by the co-directors, Christopher Remers FRICS and James Pickering MRICS. Both have over twenty years experience in long leasehold residential management of buildings such as Campden Hill Court. The accounts department is overseen by David Maguire, formerly of the Cadogan Estates.
On-site team
The estate manager is the key figure in day-to-day operations at Campden Hill Court and leads the on-site team. His remit, and that of his colleagues, is to look after the property and the needs of residents.
The estate manager is the first point of contact for those living in the building; he makes sure that their concerns are addressed expeditiously and with courtesy, and advises and assists them on a range of matters. He deals with issues arising around the property and is responsible for organising regular maintenance and emergency repairs. He ensures that all necessary security systems and procedures are maintained and implemented.
He is supported by seven other directly employed members of staff, who provide reception and other services, including welcoming and assisting visitors to the building. More information about the services provided by the on-site team can be found at the ‘Living here’ section of this website.
Informal house committee
Although the house committee is not part of the formal governance structure at Campden Hill Court, it plays an important role. It is concerned with matters relating to living in the building and to maintaining a good sense of community. It acts as an interface between residents and the board and managing agent on matters arising from the day-to-day running of the block. Its agenda covers such issues as concierge services, heating, rubbish, noise, security and aspects of the refurbishment of individual flats and of the building more widely.
