New Board Member at Housing 21

Housing 21 has announced the appointment of a new board member. Richard Humphries, a Senior Fellow at the health policy think-tank the King’s Fund, joined Housing 21’s board on 30th October, 2009.

Richard began his social work career in 1977 after graduating from the London School of Economics. After training as a psychiatric social worker he gained experience in various social work practice, policy and management roles before becoming Director of Social Services and Housing for Herefordshire County council in 1998.

In 2000 he also became Chief Executive of Herefordshire Health Authority in a combined role, the first of its kind in the UK. He then worked for the Department of Health in helping to support the implementation of national health and social care policy and was Chief Executive of the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) until the summer of 2007.

Housing 21 is a leading provider of housing and care for older people. It recently took ownership of the Claimar Care Group, making it one of the biggest providers of domiciliary care in the country. Other Housing 21 board members are David Grayson (Chair), Sandra Robinson (Vice Chair), Matthew Harker, Helena Herklots, Peter Letley, James Robinson, Michael Stansfield and Brian Ward-Jones.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard Humphries said: “I’m delighted to be joining Housing 21. It has a national reputation for innovation in joining-up housing with care and support and the acquisition of Claimar Care offers new opportunities. I’m really looking forward to working with fellow Board members and staff in making a real differences to people’s lives.”

Richard is also a joint chair of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) Associates Network and trustee of Independent Age, a national charity for older people.