Professor Peter Roberts OBE becomes chair of KHT

A leading figure in regeneration is to become chairman of Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT).

Professor Peter Roberts OBE will replace Jayne Aston in June when she completes her nine-year term on the board.

“KHT has a growing reputation for making a positive difference to people’s lives and improving homes and communities in the areas it works in,” said Peter.

“I am really looking forward to carrying on the great work carried out by current Chair Jayne Aston and helping the Group to continue to raise its profile and its level of influence within the North West region and nationally.”

KHT’s Group Chief Executive Bob Taylor said: “Peter is a leading figure in regeneration and is known nationally so it is a natural fit with KHT as we continue to grow our organisation.”

KHT Group consists of Knowsley Housing Trust, which manages more than 13,000 affordable homes across the borough, and KHT Services, which has an annual turnover of £5million and provides repairs and maintenance services for other landlords in the North West.

Peter, who was given an OBE for services to regeneration and planning in 2004, is a former professor at the University of Liverpool and is currently a professor at the Sustainable Research Institute, University of Leeds.

With a strong background in the housing sector Peter is an advisor to the House of Commons’ Children’s, Schools, and Families Select Committee as well as the Town and Country Planning Association.

He is also a Board Member of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which funds new affordable housing in England, and Chair of the HCA’s Sustainable Communities Academy.

Bob Taylor added: “We were looking for a new chair to maintain and develop our ethos and ensure that the high standards of governance and accountability we uphold are maintained and I believe Peter Roberts will help us to do that.”