Big names lined up for CIH's new governing board

Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Housing

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has announced the proposed membership of its new governing board which will set the strategic direction of the organisation as it launches its new corporate plan for the next three years.

The new board, which will take office following member approval in January 2012, includes David Cowans, Group Chief Executive of 62,000-home Places for People, Kate Davies, Chief Executive of 25,000-home Notting Hill Housing Group; and Elaine Elkington (pictured), Strategic Director Homes and Neighbourhoods at Birmingham City Council - the UK's largest stock-holding council.

Grainia Long, CIH interim chief executive, said: “We were delighted with the high level and high calibre response we received to the recruitment exercise for the new Governing Board. The level of interest in helping lead our organisation and the housing sector through a time of enormous change and opportunity is testament to the regard in which CIH is held by its members and the wider housing field.

“Our governance has been improved to ensure we are more transparent and inclusive and we are looking forward to working with the new Governing Board to help guide the work of the CIH in the future. Our work to support the housing sector through the challenges and opportunities ahead has never been more important and the new Board will play a key role in helping set the strategic direction for CIH and ensure we continue to provide excellent support for our members and the wider housing community.”

The proposed governing board for CIH for 2012 also includes:

• Helen Collins, Chair of the Governing Board – Group Executive Director,  Bromford Housing Group
• Karen Armitage – Chief Executive, Stafford and Rural Homes
• Richard Blakeway - Mayoral Adviser on Housing, Greater London Authority
• Alison Inman – Chair, Colchester Borough Homes
• Yvonne Leishman – Managing Director, The Community Housing Group
• Mike Owen – Chief Executive, Merthyr Valleys Homes
• Jim Strang – Chief Executive, Parkhead Housing Association
• Steve Trusler – National Strategy Director, Wates Living Space