CIH selects candidates for Vice Presidential election

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing

Two high-profile housing figures have been chosen to contest the Chartered Institute of Housing’s (CIH) Vice Presidential election.

The two candidates, who were openly recruited based on skills and experiences, are Steve Stride (pictured), chief executive of east London housing association Poplar HARCA, and Martyn Kingsford, who is chair of the board at Hounslow Homes and also a member of the board at Paragon Community Housing Group.

CIH members will be invited to vote for their preferred candidate, with voting due to get underway on Monday 25 March and close on Monday 15 April.

The successful candidate will succeed current Vice President and chief executive of Orbit Group Paul Tennant, who is due to become CIH President on May 1, and will be expected to take up the role of President in 2014.

CIH chief executive Grainia Long said: “The role of Vice President is hugely important to CIH – the successful candidate will be an effective leader for the housing profession, an ambassador for our organisation and an inspiration to our members and the wider industry. I’m therefore delighted that we have two such high-calibre candidates in Steve and Martyn.

“This election will be decided by our membership and I really want to encourage every single member to use their vote and help shape the continuing development of CIH and our support for the housing industry.”

Steve Stride said: “CIH supports and unites housing people across the UK. It uses their knowledge and experience to influence decision makers.

“It’s 30 years since I became a member of CIH as a housing trainee. I’ve benefitted immensely from its training and guidance. Now is my time to help others benefit.

“I want CIH to continue to be a vibrant, relevant professional body. I would work to understand and deliver what existing members need, and promote CIH’s benefits to a new generation of housing people. I’m proud to be a housing person and honoured to be standing for the role of Vice President.”

Martyn said: “All of us in housing face great challenges over the coming years with welfare reform, the growth of the private rented sector, the impact on homelessness and special needs, new tenures and the decline in new development.

“As CIH Vice President I will be centre stage arguing for a better deal for tenants, leaseholders, owners and for the most vulnerable in our society.

“I will work to support CIH members who face these challenges. I have the experience to do this – give me your support so I may support you.”