Conference chair
Victoria Derbyshire
Journalist and broadcasterVictoria Derbyshire is a multi-award-winning journalist and broadcaster, who presents current affairs on both TV and radio. Currently lead presenter of BBC’s Newsnight, Victoria has previously led her eponymous two-hour news programme which was broadcast each weekday on BBC 2. Before that she spent 16 years presenting the morning programme on Radio 5 Live, where she became a trusted confidante to listeners as they shared their own personal experiences with her on national radio.
"I was drawn to chairing the first-ever Housing Community Summit because safe, affordable housing is vital. With a general election on the horizon, conferences of this calibre will be busier than ever, and I look forward to meeting those driven by social purpose to end what many have described as a housing crisis".
We're thrilled to announce speakers for The Housing Community Summit this September.
Akala
Award-winning Artist, Activist, Author and EntrepreneurAkala is an award-winning artist, author, activist, and one of the most respected voices in the UK. He advocates using art and culture as tools for social change. Using his platform, he addresses issues surrounding racism, classism, sexism, and homophobia. Since 2009, Akala has been the founder and Artistic Director of The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company. As a musical artist, Akala has released five studio albums, four mixtapes, two EPs, one compilation album and numerous singles. In addition to his many talents, Akala is an accomplished author who has written several books. In 2018, Akala received an honorary doctorate from Oxford Brookes University and an honorary degree from Brighton University to commemorate his services and achievements in music and culture. Akala is passionate about helping people understand their history and their identity. He strongly advocates for education reform, arts empowerment and the exploration of black history. Akala has addressed audiences at various events, including TEDx, discussing societal issues, such as music, history, education, and race relations.
Jacque Allen
Chief Executive, Your Housing GroupJacque has worked in the housing sector or over 28 years. She joined Your Housing Group in April 2020 and was appointed the Deputy CEO. Amongst her many responsibilities, Jacque is accountable for overseeing the directorate which plans and delivers a £1bn asset investment programme including building and fire safety. Her remit is to ensure that YHG’s 28,000 homes are maintained to an extremely high standard and that YHG’s customers feel proud of where they live alongside having a sense of pride and belonging to their neighbourhoods. Jacque’s passion for inclusion and homelessness drives her to support YHG’s development of circa 2500 homes as part of a Homes England strategic partnership.
Azad Azam
Housing First, RSAP, RSI & Rough Sleepers Outreach Service Lead, Trident GroupMichael Balmer
Partner - Financial and Business Crime, WeightmansMichael has over 15 years’ experience in criminal and regulatory cyber defence. He headed the cyber-crime team at his previous firm before joining the Cyxcel team at Weightmans. Michael represents individuals and businesses facing investigation and prosecution for offences including online fraud, computer and data misuse.
Michael regularly advises businesses in all sectors, including construction and Built Environment, who are the victims of cyber attacks perpetrated by internal and external actors and assists them to limit their own exposure to prosecution.
Michael assists corporates and public authorities with the best way to respond to contentious data requests from 3rd parties and deals with regulatory actions arising from referrals to the Information Commissioner and General Regulatory Chamber.
Legal 500 describes Michael as “an excellent, hardworking, thorough and client-focused solicitor who is great to work with; incredibly personable with his clients and works hard to make them feel very supported; diligent and thorough”.
Matt Baird
Co-Chair, Spring Housing AssociationMatt has supported the housing sector for more than 11 years in a multitude of ways and you may know him as the Host of the South West CIH Conference in 2023. He is the Founder and Host of The Social Housing Round Table, a free weekly networking event for anyone and everyone to try and create change for the sector. Matt is also Co-Chair of the Board for Spring Housing Association in Birmingham, a Charity supporting Refugees and Young People across Birmingham and Warwickshire. Day to day he is the Director and Owner of Baird and Co Recruitment, The Ethical Social Housing Recruitment Business that prides itself on really and truly understanding the industry. Matt has worked in the recruitment industry for over a decade sourcing a wide range of positions including executive roles across councils, housing associations, charities and domestic abuse services with a range of needs including supporting staff, providing strategic insight, and helping with restructures.
David Ball
Co-founder, Cornerstone PlaceDr Stephen Battersby
Environmental health and housing consultant, journalist and researcher, Environmental health and housing consultant, journalist and researcherDr Stephen Battersby is a freelance environmental health and housing consultant, and researcher. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and Royal Society for Public Health (and is now retired).
He is a past President of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Healthand is currently a Vice President.Linsay Baverstock
Resident and Colleague Experience Manager, Settle GroupGwen Beeken
Procure PlusCathy Biggs
Executive Director of Operations, South Liverpool HomesCathy joined SLH in 2022 and has over 18 years’ experience in the social housing sector, working previously at Plus Dane Housing and Your Housing Group. Her operational experience is vast; managing community safety, income, lettings and environmental teams to ensure neighbourhoods are managed effectively and customers are at the heart of everything they do. Cathy has always worked in customer-centred roles and is passionate about delivering excellent services to the South Liverpool community.
Claire Blacka
Tentacles ConsultancyNic Bliss
@nicblisscch
Campaign Director, Stop Social Housing Stigma CampaignNic Bliss recently became the Campaign Director for the Stop Social Housing Stigma campaign. A former tenant of a Registered Provider housing co-op in Birmingham, Nic retired from the Confederation of Co-operative Housing after nearly 30 years. He has led various national tenant organisation projects working with Government and others, including helping to shape the post Grenfell Ministerial roadshows, the National Tenant Voice programmes and research reports into the business benefits of tenant involvement and other tenant related matters. Nic has worked with numerous tenants and landlords across the country.
Tony Boyle
Regional director for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England, AICORebecca Brady
Partner, DevonshiresAnna Bishop
Member of CHANW and Chief Executive, South Liverpool HomesDavid Bogle
@david_bogle
Chair, Homes for Cathy and Chief Executive, Hightown Housing AssociationDavid has been Chief Executive at Hightown for over 20 years. He previously worked for Anchor HA and three London local authorities. Hightown is a traditional housing association operating mainly in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire. Hightown has an active development programme, which will deliver over 1400 new affordable homes over the next two years. Hightown has a housing stock of over 7,000 homes, provides care and supported housing in around 80 projects and has a forecast annual turnover of £108 million. David is Chair of the Homes for Cathy group of around 120 housing associations campaigning for more homes and support for homeless people. The Homes for Cathy Group has worked with Crisis to develop nine Commitments, which challenge housing associations to review and improve their contribution to ending homelessness.
James Brass
Decarbonisation and Environment Manager, WDHPaul Bridge
Founder and Chair, The Clive Smith FoundationNicola Butterworth
Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Housing Services, Liverpool City CouncilTony Cain
Policy Manager, ALACHOAshley Campbell
Policy Manager for Scotland, Chartered Institute of HousingPaul Carhart
Collaboration Lead for CHANW and Chief Executive, Wirral Methodist HousingNat Cartwright
Head of Lettings, BromfordTrina Chakravarti
Director, Building BetterTrina co-founded Building Better with four housing association colleagues during the National Housing Federation's Greenhouse programme in 2018. Building Better has since grown to become an alliance of 30 social housing providers committed to delivering the highest quality housing through MMC with aggregation and collaboration at its heart. Over 1,500 units have been assessed for viability under the Category 1 / modular framework and Category 2 / panelised DPS.
Caritas Charles
Policy and Insight Manager, TPASCaritas is responsible for Tpas Policy and Insight work and has over 20 years of experience in the housing sector at customer facing and strategic levels. His career has so far seen him in a diverse set of roles from being a campaigns lead for a homelessness charity to being a manager for a youth housing project alongside working in engagement roles for six different housing associations and local authorities.
Anthea Chilton
Sector Development Lead, Housing Ombudsman ServiceKevin Clarke
Account Delivery Manager, Procure PlusNicki Clarke
Senior Programmes Housing Manager and survivor of domestic abuse, Standing Together Against Domestic ViolenceRebecca Clarke
Head of Operations, First Priority HousingRichard Clark
Head of Housing and Neighbourhoods, Bournville Village TrustRichard has worked in housing for 19 years. Richard has held Community Safety based roles due to his background in the police. In 2011 he completed one of the final CIH Professional Housing Studies degrees at Birmingham City University, which gave him the opportunity to learn more about the sector and enter into housing management leadership roles outside of anti-social behaviour and community safety. After several management roles across the Midlands and London, in 2022 Richard joined Bournville Village Trust as Head of Housing and Neighbourhoods. BVT is an organisation steeped in history and matches Richard’s values of community building and creating thriving and sustainable communities for our residents to live.
“I am looking forward to how the event will help us understand how other organisations are meeting the challenges of the Tenant Satisfaction Measures and taking away best practice examples around customer experience and neighbourhood management.”
Sarah Clarke
Director of Housing, WHGKatie Cockburn
Neighbourhood Manager, Berwickshire Housing AssociationDavid Colbourne
Housing Retrofit Manager, Liverpool City Region Combined AuthorityDavid has over 25 years experience in the energy field, an Environmental Science degree and a Masters degree in Climate Change & Sustainable Development. He started his professional career at the Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development. This involved researching strategic urban energy management, publishing papers and working with Leicester Energy Agency / the Leicester Energy Efficiency Advice Centre. This led to employment with Merseyside Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, before running the Cheshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre amongst other home energy efficiency projects.
David joined Sefton Council in 2001 to become the main home energy officer. His role expanded to develop more renewable energy installations, European projects and directed the fuel poverty programme. As a local energy officer David was elected Chair of the Northwest Association of Local Energy Officers (ALEO) for 7 years and spent of 4 of those years as National Vice Chair. David joined the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in December 2021 to help deliver their retrofit projects. David has worked on SHDF wave 1, LAD 2 and SWF. David is also leading on the SHDF wave 2 bid for the Liverpool City Region Consortium.
Cllr Jane Corbett
Chair, Fairer Healthier Liverpool Partnership Group and Deputy Chair, Liverpool Health and Wellbeing BoardHannah Courtney-Adamson
Strategic Housing Lead (People), Rochdale Borough CouncilLauren Courty
Assistant Director of Homes and Building Safety, Johnnie Johnson HousingJonathan Cox
Director of Data and Business Intelligence, HousemarkJonathan has over 15 years' experience providing data analysis and business support to the social housing sector. He previously worked for two large London housing associations before joining the Housemark data team in 2012. Jonathan has delivered a range of data consultancy projects, and recent clients include Catalyst Group, Trivallis, Solihull Community Housing, Stonewater Group and Aster Group.
Jon Cox
Head of Tenancy Sustainment, Sovereign Network GroupJon has worked in a variety of housing and housing related support roles over the last 30 years. Prior to his nine years at SNG he worked in homelessness/housing related support organisations for 21 years up to director level. Jon holds professional qualifications in Social Work, Leadership and Change Management and Project Management. His current role includes the strategic lead for SNGS approach to managing ASB, Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse, Mental Health/illness and Tenancy Success services. Jon is the founder and chair of a National Housing and Safeguarding Best Practice Group and a member of the DLUHC ASB Advisory Panel. In 2023 Jon won the Partnership Award at the National Safeguarding Adults Board – Excellence Awards for his work in the Safeguarding arena.
Polly Cox
Sector Learning and Development Manager, Housing OmbudsmanLaura Crumlish
Foundation Manager, Wheatley GroupDavid Cummins
Chair of CHANW and Chief Executive, Warrington Housing AssociationDebansu Das
Business Development Director, ZED PodsKara Davies
Peer researcher and MTVH tenantRobert Davies
Head of Customer Accounts and Money Advice, Onward HomesThe purpose of my Head of Customer Accounts & Money Advice role is to take strategic and operational responsibility for income management across Onward, ensuring that the business maintains its income collection rate and associated performance targets. I provide strategic guidance and subject matter expertise on risk, welfare and the reform agenda affecting our customer base.
Sarah Davies
Senior Building Safety Consultant, Pennington Choices & Board Member, North Wales HousingSarah Davies has over 20 years’ experience across the public and not-for-profit sectors leading complex and large-scale organisational change including merger, operating model re-design and digitisation programmes for UK policing, fire and social housing.
Sarah provides strategic support across a range of sectors and supports registered providers nationally to drive up standards of compliance and safety in social housing. Sarah works closely with the Regulator, Boards and Executives in driving a culture of transparency and openness within organisations around safety; supporting Boards to fully understand their safety obligations and achieve full assurance around organisational approaches.
Josh Davis
Head of Operations, Chirpy HeatStewart Davison
Trustee, Platform Housing and Founder, Elehan ConsultingStewart has had a diverse career including nearly 10 years in the British Army. Stewart has worked in the field of Social Housing and Proptech for over 25 years and is passionate about how technology can be a force for positive change, having worked in both front line social housing and for technology companies he strives to inform, educate and implement new technologies to improve the lives of tenants and residents across the UK.
Ryan Dempsey
Chief Executive Officer, TCWRyan is the Chief Executive and founder of TCW, a globally unique property technology platform created to provide complete assurance on your data. Today, the solution provides clarity on property governance and lifecycle requirements to around 1.7 million Social Housing properties.
Due to his innovative nature around Safety and Engineering whilst working in Housing, Ryan obtained a Fellowship from the Institute of Engineering and Technology. He is also the main author to a number of essential guidance documents around the management of Electrotechnical services in Social Housing.
Claire Donovan
Head of Policy, Research and Campaigns, End Furniture PovertyPaul Dutton
Housing PeopleEdward Dymock
Architect Associate, Building Design PartnershipEdward Dymock is an Architect Associate in BDP’s Glasgow Studio, a certified Passivhaus Designer and the studio’s Sustainability Champion. Ed’s multi-sector CV includes projects in Conservation, Education, Masterplanning, Transport, Residential and Workplace. Ed is a design focussed architect keen to show that a well designed building can create economic, social and wellbeing benefits, invigorate its setting and bring delight to the lives of its users.
BDP is a major international practice of architects, designers, engineers and urbanists that aim to create outstanding places for people. Working in interdisciplinary teams BDP produce integrated, holistic and sustainable solutions.
Debra Edwards
Chair of Supported Housing Continuous Improvement Group and Tenant, Haringey CouncilAdrian Eggington
Deputy Chief Exeuctive, Black Country Housing GroupAdrian has been at BCHG since November 2015 having previously worked in executive roles for Housing Associations in London and Staffordshire with specialisms in housing and asset management, care and resident engagement. Adrian has responsibility for the operations team, asset management, development and our home improvement agency, Homeforce, which provides repairs and home improvements to people who own their own homes and residential care.
Aileen Evans
@bushbell
CEO, Grand Union Housing GroupAileen Evans is Chief Executive Officer of Grand Union Housing Group and is the president of the Chartered Institute of Housing, the professional body for those working in housing until June 2021.
A qualified coach and NLP master practitioner she has a strong interest in understanding healthy organisational cultures and the impact on performance.
An emerging mental health campaigner, she is, as part of her presidential campaign, working with the metal health charity MIND to provide a guide for housing organisations on creating mentally health organisations and has set a fundraising target of £50K to support MIND this year.
Helena Evans
Chair of the NHF Small Housing Association network and Chief Executive, Westfield Housing AssociationHelen Everett
Neighborhood Delivery Manager, Onward HomesAs a Neighbourhood Delivery Manager for Onward Homes, my role is to manage and support Neighbourhood Specialist in delivering a front-line service to our Customer alongside delivery of Neighbourhood activity and collaborative working. Additionally I have a lead role in Voids and Allocations managing this service across Merseyside ensuring the Team meet the Businesses Performance Targets.
Sinan Fahliogullari
Senior Insight and Service Design Advisor, Building Safety RegulatorSinan is a strategy and insight professional and spent over a decade on public policy research before joining the Building Safety Regulator in 2021. Since then, he led nationwide research programmes on residents’ understanding of building safety, their experiences of living in a high-rise building and engaging with residents. He supported the delivery of projects on experiences of building safety among residents with potential vulnerabilities, including residents with health conditions or disability, and non-English speaking residents.
Nigel Finney
Chair, CIH Professional Standards Committee and Board Member, Watmos Community Homes and Grŵp CynefinDr Martin Fletcher
Senior Research Fellow, Leeds Beckett UniversityCatherine George
Neighbourhood Manager, South Liverpool HomesTim Gilbert
Partner, LCPTim is a partner in LCP’s social housing and not-for-profit consulting teams. He works with the National Housing Federation to help them engage effectively with regulators and policymakers on pension policy. Alongside this, he also works with many employers who participate in multi-employer pension schemes, such as those run by The Pensions Trust (TPT) including the Social Housing Pension Scheme.
Neil Goodrich
Head of Customer Performance and Improvement, SNGNeil has studied and/or worked in the social housing sector for the best part of 15 years, primarily working in positions that focused on performance, analysis and report development. A chartered member of the CIH, he was one of the founding members, and a former chair, of the CIH Futures Board. An experienced housing professional, Neil has worked in a number of organisations across England and has recently joining Sovereign Network Group to be their new Head of Customer Performance and Improvement. Prior to that he spent just under 10 years at Orbit in various roles having started his career at Family Housing Association (Birmingham) Ltd (now part of Citizen Housing).
Tracey Gore
Director, Steve Biko Housing AssociationJames Green
Director of Regeneration and Development, Westminster City CouncilJanine Green
Green & Burton ASB AssociatesNick Griffiths
Programme Manager (Leasehold Management), Leicester City CouncilChris Grose
Managing Director, ASB Training and ConsultancyKate Henderson
@KateNHF
Chief Executive, National Housing FederationKate Henderson is Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation (NHF), the voice of housing associations in England. Kate is passionate about tackling the housing crisis, inequality and climate change. She is a member of several government panels including the Rough Sleeping Advisory Panel and the Social Housing White Paper Expert Challenge Panel. Kate become a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in 2021. Prior to joining the NHF in 2018, Kate was Chief Executive of the Town and Country Planning Association.
Phil Hardy
Executive Director, Grand Union Housing GroupPatricia Harrington
Operational Service Improvement Manager, AbriPaul Harris
Chief Customer Officer, Curo GroupPaul joined Curo in 2017 from Acorn Group, an African property management company where he was VP Corporate Affairs. Prior to that he spent five years as Group Director Customer Experience at Unite Students Group where he implemented a highly successful customer digital programme. This was preceded by roles at the South West Regional Development Agency, Laing O’Rourke Group and Royal Mail.
Sophie Hayward
Head of Housing, Westmoreland Supported HousingWith over 10 years’ experience in the social housing sector, gaining both Level 4 and 5 CIH Diploma in Housing Practice, Sophie's background has predominantly been in general needs. She recently took the role as Head of Housing at Westmoreland Supported Housing, delivering housing services to vulnerable adults. Sophie uses her positive attitude to encourage others to work hard and succeed, and is a strong advocate for hearing what residents have to say, and using their feedback to shape the services delivered to them. She believes everyone deserves a place to call home, and for this to be somewhere they’re proud to live. It is colleagues and residents who inspire her to do her best to help people thrive in their homes and communities.
"I’m looking forward to being involved in an exciting new event to collaborate with other professionals throughout the housing sector to play a part in actively shaping the future of social housing. I’m hoping to work together to share ideas to improve the sector, but also adopt best practice skills and behaviours learnt from others in my own work."
Chris Holloway
Executive Director, Greatwell HomesChris has worked in housing for nearly 20 years and has held several senior positions across local authorities, ALMO’s and registered providers. In recent years, he has built up a reputation for making practical use of data to create innovative solutions and delivering better business outcomes and positive resident experiences in tenancy sustainment, homeless prevention, void management, safeguarding and arrears.
Bobbie Hough
Director, Hough Bellis CommunicationsEmma Howells
Executive Director of Housing, Communities and Customers, Valleys to CoastDarren Huitema
Senior Operations Manager, Believe Housing AustraliaAndrew Hull
Executive Director of Operations, Eastlight Community HomesKevin Igwe
Building Safety Manager, RiversideAlison Inman
Chair, TPASAlison Inman is a Chair of the Board at Tpas and Past President of the Chartered Institute of Housing. She sits on the boards of two housing associations and is Co-founder of SHOUT, the social housing campaign group.
Connie Jennings
Director of Stronger Communities and Health Lead, whgEydritt Joensen
Assistant Head of Housing, Spring Housing AssociationSubbi Johal
Head of Assessments and Service Improvement, Spring Housing AssociationJohn Johnson
Member, Housing and Employment Network North East (HENNE) and Chief Executive, BerniciaJohn has over 35 years’ experience of working in the social housing sector. He is passionate about the sector and the North East region, its people and potential. Prior to becoming Chief Executive John directed all operational services, successfully developing strategy and delivering significant improvements across a wide range of directorates. He successfully led stock transfer, merger and major regeneration initiatives at Bernicia. John is a member of a range of National and Regional representative, professional and trade organisations, notably he chairs the North of Tyne and Northumberland Committees of the North East England Chamber of Commerce and is the Vice Chair of the North East Housing Partnership (NEHP). He was pivotal in setting up the Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE) and continues to be instrumental in taking the partnership forward.
Halisha Kaur
Chair, CIH FuturesHalisha joined housing through a graduate scheme in development following completing a degree in City and Regional Planning. Halisha’s passion for the sector drove her to volunteer for CIH Futures and become Chair. Halisha believes that “Housing is more than bricks and mortar, our jobs are about providing a safe, secure home and new life opportunities to allow our residents to thrive”. Halisha lobbies to make housing a career of choice for the next generation and to increase the diversity of voices heard within the sector.
John Keegan
Chief Executive, Monmouthshire HousingJohn has been the Chief Executive of MHA since we were established in January 2008. Over the past 16 years he has overseen MHA transform as a landlord and business and he expects that in the next 10 years we will transform again. He realises the importance of not losing sight of why we were set up and our mission; “To provide high quality homes and services that put people first.” He wants every existing and new tenant to feel that they are living in a home and community that we care for every bit as much as they do. John wants MHA to be accessible, transparent and someone that people want to work with and for. He wants key partners to think “MHA are involved, that’s great, this is going to work” and wants our contractors to think – “they are great to work with, we will be better for it, they will help us succeed”. John wants everyone who comes in to contact with MHA to share in our success and help us to achieve even more. Last but not least, John wants people to think that at MHA they have a trusted landlord and friend who is there to help when needed and who knows that the human spirit thrives in an environment where we work together for common goals.
Jack Kelly
Director of Communications, All-Party Parliamentary Group on ASBStewart Kerr
Senior Building Safety Consultant, Pennington ChoicesEmily King
Social Prescribing Manager, WHGVictoria King
Sector Learning and Development Lead, Housing Ombudsman Service (HOS)Victoria King is the Sector Learning and Development Lead at the Housing Ombudsman Service (HOS) and is part of the Quality, Engagement and Development Department. Victoria is part of the team who deliver the Housing Ombudsman Service’ Centre for Learning, which is where HOS share learning from complaints and drive positive complaint handling across the sector. The function also provides insight into service provision from themes and trends in complaints to facilitate sector learning and a positive complaints culture for landlords and governance.
Mark Lawrence
Communications Manager, Housing Ombudsman ServiceMark Lawrence has worked in social housing for over 10 years and is the Communications Manager at the Housing Ombudsman, with responsibility for external publications, reports and sharing learning across the sector. Mark was previously Editor at 24housing magazine and also Senior Content Editor at HQN.
Mick Laws
Managing Director for London and South-East, LovellDan Leeming
Sustainability Consultant, Turner & TownsendDan is a Sustainability Consultant at Turner & Townsend, he has been working on the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) through Retrofit information, support and expertise (RISE). With a keen interest in the role of data in domestic retrofit, Dan delivers bespoke sessions to housing providers to help other’s understand the use and importance of data within their stock. Dan’s past experiences involve working for the Energy and Sustainability team at Cardiff Council in housing, fuel poverty, and decarbonization and he has also been involved in other housing decarbonisation commissions with the Greater South East Net Zero Hub (GSENZH), Wigan Council, and the London Borough of Newham.
Amanda Leonard
Managing Director, PerfectStormAmanda has worked extensively in Executive and Board roles both in the private and not for profit sectors, including Sainsburys, Granada PLC and Compass Group. At SSP - The Food Travel Experts she worked on a pioneering research programme into global food travel consumer behaviour, which led to restaurants being designed around travel consumers needs and preferences, including the introduction of charging points and flight information boards in airport restaurants. In the housing sector she has worked with resident groups to design structures for scrutiny, communication and involvement that are based on understanding customer sentiment and needs. She also led the first post Grenfell resident engagement event to consult on the Social Housing White Paper, working with the Cabinet Office and Housing Minister. Having previously worked at Executive level in Housemark, Amanda is passionate about how data drives decision making and creates capacity.
Matt Lewer
Transformation Lead, Joseph Rowntree Housing TrustJoel Lewis
Chief Executive, The Foyer FederationStephen Mackenzie
Tenant, Yorkshire HousingChrista Maciver
Head of Research, Policy and Communications, JustLifeJonathan Mallen-Beadle
Managing Director for Homelessness, Mears GroupChris McBride
Strategic Engagement Manager, Department for Energy Security and Net ZeroKate McCauley
Chief Executive, Housing Rights Northern IrelandVicki McDonald
Social Impact Manager, Homes for CathyElaine Middleton
Strategic Director, MobysoftBruce Moore
Chief Executive, Housing 21Bruce was appointed Chief Executive of Housing 21 in September 2013 to lead a review of its business purpose, processes and performance. Bruce has previously been Chief Executive of Hanover Housing Group and Deputy Chief Executive of Anchor Trust.
Bruce’s early career was as a lawyer and is a qualified solicitor, but he has spent more than 20 years leading change and seeking to improve the provision of housing and care for older people. Bruce has served as a board member for a number of housing associations and charities and has recently completed a PhD considering the governance of housing associations.
Dr Kate Morland
Research Fellow, Leeds Beckett UniversityStuart Morris
Head of Strategic Housing, Rochdale Borough CouncilTaps Mtemachani
Director of Transformation and Partnerships, NHS Black Country ICBAisling Mylrea
Managing Director, Wheatley Homes GlasgowSetareh Neshati
Head of Development, Westminster City CouncilDave Newton OBE
Head of Heat Networks Consumer Protection, Standards and Skills, Department of Energy Security and Net ZeroDave has worked for over 15 years in a range of energy policy and leadership roles, most notably in Gas and Electricity consumer and vulnerable consumer policy, where he worked with industry and consumer groups to ensure consumers were protected during the pandemic. Dave is also a member of a number of industry advisory groups involved in supporting energy consumers, including for the Fuel Bank Foundation challenge panel and the Energy UK Fuel Poverty Advisory Board.
Paul O'Callaghan
Assistant Director, ARKMost recently, Paul was responsible for securing and delivering consultancy projects at Housemark. Prior to this, Paul was the Customer Experience and Strategy Director at Aster Group, a large housing association in the Southwest of England. His extensive previous experience includes roles with Peabody, Harrow Council, Haringey Council, Tower Hamlets Homes, The Guinness Partnership, Midland Heart, and Birmingham City Council.
Paul’s specialisms include housing operations, strategy and policy development, service design, performance management, contact centre management, complaints, resident engagement, and regulatory compliance.
Dee O'Connell
Head of Policy and Programmes, PathwayHazel O'Halloran
Head of homelessness and community investment, BromfordLiz Oliver
Safer Homes Director, The Hyde GroupLiz Oliver had led in compliance and safer homes roles within the housing sector for over ten years, working for organisations including Homes for Haringey and Optivo.
Liz feels passionately about keeping both residents and buildings safe. She has headed up Hyde’s Safer Homes team for around 18 months, and under her leadership, Hyde has carried out major building safety work on 10 residential buildings and thousands of other smaller projects. She recently led on the successful recladding project affecting 433 homes in five tower blocks at Gosport. The project has not only won national awards, but Liz’s work at Gosport led to her becoming a ‘Building Safety Ambassador’ for Inside Housing.
Thanks to Liz’s approach, always focusing on engaging with residents, and by being honest, open and supportive, Hyde has demonstrated to residents, stakeholders and government that it is a sector leader in building safety.
Janani Paramsothy
Head of ESG and Sustainability, Places for PeopleBrenda Parker
Advice Service Manager, Housing Rights Northern IrelandBrenda Parker is the interim Head of Services at Housing Rights, a position she has held since July 2023. Brenda has responsibility for the effective leadership and
operation of Housing Rights advice, mediation and business support services.
Brenda has held several positions within the organisation since she joined in January 2006, including Prisons Peer Advice Coordinator, and Advice Services Manager.
Brenda has extensive experience of interagency collaborative, innovative and partnership working, and in the effective involvement of experts by experience in development and delivery of services.
Brenda’s focus is to enhance the quality of services, so that the lives of people with homelessness and housing problems are improved.
Brenda has previously served as a Director on the Board of Advice NI and currently serves on the Board for Homeless Connect
Liz Parsons
Head of Public Health - Social Housing and the Built Environment, Milton Keynes CouncilClare Paterson
Author and Consultant, Data Protection in Social HousingJohn Patterson
Director, ARKJohn is an experienced housing professional with excellent skills in strategic and business planning, housing market analysis, development and regeneration, appraisal and viability, and supported housing.
An ARK Consultancy founder, he was previously a housing association Chief Executive and Director of a national housebuilder. A strong leader and communicator, John retains a real commitment to housing’s role in tackling social disadvantage.
Kirsty Peake
Community Development Officer, Bolton at HomeHello, I'm Kirsty Peake. For the past five years, I have been dedicated to helping the community as a Community Development Officer at Bolton at Home. My career in community development spans around 20 years, during which I have worked with various social housing providers. Throughout this journey, my passion has always been to champion underrepresented voices, ensuring they have a role in shaping the services they receive.
My experience has provided me with a good understanding of the challenges faced by diverse communities. I am committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone feels heard and valued. By developing strong relationships and engaging with residents, I strive to develop programs and initiatives that reflect the true needs and aspirations of the community.
Kirsty Pepper
Managing Director, PeabodyDewbien Plummer
Associate, Housing Diversity Network, Co-chair, HouseProud and Strategic Lead for Housing Complaints, Lewisham Council Housing ServicesDewbien has decades of operational experience in the sector, (local authority and housing association), with a background in leasehold and repairs and maintenance.
Sam Pratt
Policy and Communications Lead, Shared Health FoundationSam Pratt is the Policy and Communications Lead for Shared Health
Foundation. Shared Health is a clinically led, evidence based not-for-
profit based in Oldham, Greater Manchester and whose aim is to
reduce the impact of poverty on health. Sam has a passion for social
justice and tackling health inequalities in the most deprived
neighbourhoods.Hony Premlal
Chief Executive and Chair, Hony Premlal Consulting, Eldon Housing & WISHHony Premlal is a much sought-after, highly regarded executive in the Social Housing sector with an experience spanning nearly three decades. She has a proven career track record in small and large housing providers, where she has held several executive and non-executive positions including Managing Director.
Hony is the Founder and CEO at Hony Premlal Consultancy, an organisation that provides executive mentoring/coaching and housing consultancy services. She also fulfils the role of Chair for Eldon Housing and WISH London. She holds board memberships with SCLT and Trinity Housing, in addition to being a Regional Group Member of the CIH.
James Prestwich
@JamesAPrestwich
Director of Policy and External Affairs, Chartered Institute of HousingJames Prestwich is the director of policy and external affairs at the Chartered Institute of Housing. He leads our influencing and public affairs work across the UK. Before joining CIH in early 2020 from the National Housing Federation (NHF), he held the role of head of policy.
Chris Proctor
Chief Executive, OneServeNikkie Pullen
Head of Organisational Development, AbriBronwen Rapley
Chief Executive, Onward HomesSince 2016, Bronwen has spearheaded the creation of Onward Homes from five separate housing associations, building a united organisation committed to the customers and communities it serves across the North West.
Under Bronwen’s leadership, Onward has achieved top governance (G1) and financial (V1) ratings from the Regulator and secured a top A1 (Stable) credit rating, ahead of a successful bond issue to support delivery of an ambitious Business Plan. Looking to the future, her priority for Onward is to work with customers to build thriving communities, supported by the security of good quality, green homes and places.
Bronwen has worked in housing and regeneration for 30 years, initially as a solicitor and then by delivering a number of large regeneration projects in the North West. Prior to joining Onward, Bronwen led the investigation and enforcement team at the Regulator of Social Housing.
Kush Rawal
Executive Director of Customer Service, Metropolitan Thames ValleyKush is a development professional with over 16 years of experience, having held numerous roles within Housing Associations and working on programmes delivering both private and intermediate housing products. His market and product knowledge extends across London, the South East and Midlands. Kush is the Director of Residential Investment at Metropolitan Thames Valley, one of the country’s largest Housing Associations where he is responsible for an annual sales programme of over 1000 homes as well delivering a comprehensive post sales customer experience. Kush is also responsible for SO Partnerships business which provides housing providers and local authorities with development and sales support. Kush is also a Development committee member for Raven Housing which develops affordable housing across Surrey.
Hetal Ruparelia
Partner, DevonshiresHetal advises on various aspects of Property Litigation and Housing Management including breach of lease issues, adverse possession, boundary disputes, lease variations, regeneration advice and service charge disputes. Hetal also provides non-contentious advice on housing and policy issues. Hetal is also head of our Information Team. She has particular expertise in advising clients on compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. Hetal is a specialist in the area and her experience covers all aspects of information law and privacy including the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004, breach of privacy and breach of confidentiality. Hetal advices on data breaches, making representations to the ICO and enforcement action from the ICO. She has assisted clients with large scale, complex data sharing arrangements which have included the processing of data overseas. She is particularly versed in supporting clients with complicated and high volume subject access requests. She also regularly provides training to clients on their obligations under data protection legislation.
Tristan Samuels
Group Development and New Business Director, Vivid HomesAdam Sanders
Technical Director, RiskBaseGavin Sargent
Head of Customer Experience Standards, Places for PeopleHelen Scurr
Company Director, Ark ConsultancyHelen leads ARKs People division; she has a keen interest in personal development and has been instrumental in leading cultural change and transformation programmes. She works with organisations to create powerful and empowering cultures that ensure their overall success, supporting their organisational development and improving performance. She also heads up the ARK Academy which offers innovative – and bespoke - training and personal development solutions to organisations and their staff.
Helen is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing, who has influenced housing policy and practice as a former Trustee on the CIH National Council and Regional Board Chair. She has extensive non-executive experience joining the boards of training and JV companies and supporting boards, committees and supporting members across a wide range of organisational structures.
Helen has worked at executive and senior level with several RPs during the last twenty-five years as well as leading and managing a range of diverse services.
Ola Shanu
Building Safety and Compliance Manager, Thurrock CouncilKate Shone
Chair, Communities that Work and Managing Director, Torus FoundationKate is Managing Director for Torus Foundation, the charitable arm of Torus Group which owns and manages 40,000 properties in the North West of England. Kate joined Torus Group in September 2016 having previously worked for Clarion. Kate has worked in the social housing sector for over 20 years in both the general needs and supported accommodation fields. Kate is also Chair of Communities That Work, the UK’s leading consortium of social landlords who are rising to the challenge of helping people into work. In 2015 Kate was awarded an MSc in Management from Chester University where she gained a distinction.
Charmaine Simei
Chief Executive, Tuntum HousingCharmaine has been working in social housing and related fields for some 28 years.
Since graduating in 1995, she has enjoyed a wide range of roles from front-line worker to CEO.
Charmaine was voted 'Professional of the Year' at the Women in Housing Awards 2021, primarily for establishing the Community Investment arm at Longhurst Housing Association. Charmaine has previously been a mentor with the Housing Diversity Network, and has sat on a number of steering Groups including HACTs Racial Equality Group.
She is currently a serving board member with Communities that Work.
Gavin Smart
Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of HousingPrior to becoming CEO Gavin served as both Deputy CEO and, before that, Director of Policy and Practice at the CIH. Before joining CIH Gavin worked at the National Housing Federation (NHF), latterly as Assistant Director for Research and Futures where he led the NHF’s research and analysis function, it’s future facing thinking and it’s policy work on finance and government investment. Gavin joined the NHF from a spell working for the UK civil service commissioning research and analysis into a variety of housing policy areas. He began his career as an academic researcher at the School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol.
Paul Steen
Head of Business Development North, Vattenfall Heat UKThomas Sutton
Neighbourhood and housing services manager, Gateshead CouncilLynsey Sweeney
Managing Director, Communities that WorkLynsey is Managing Director of Communities that Work, the national body in England that links housing, employment and government. Prior to this Lynsey was an adviser on employment, skills and apprenticeships at the National Housing Federation, drawing on her experience in the London FE sector and via KPMG's World Class Skills programme. Before housing, employment and skills in the UK, Lynsey worked on health, education and skills programmes for VSO in China, Ethiopia and London.
Jan Taranczuk
Independent Consultant, National Social Housing Fire Strategy GroupJordan Tyms
Head of Communities and Support, Plus Dane HousingIn his 20th year in housing, Jordan is currently Head of Communities and Support for Plus Dane Housing, leading services across Cheshire and Merseyside, having previously worked for organisations in Manchester and Newcastle under Lyme. He is also the lead for the CIH North West regional group.
Judith Vickress
Senior Housing Manager, Standing Together Against Domestic ViolenceJehan Weerasinghe
Managing Director, One HousingTim West
Director, ARK ConsultancyTim has a worked within the housing field, primarily in development and regeneration for over 25 years, both within the public and private sectors.
His initial experience came from being heavily involved in the Marsh Farm, Luton regeneration as part of the New Deal for Communities funding of the early 2000s whilst working for Luton Borough Council.
This experience helped create a strong interest in community cohesion and sustainability which has stayed with him throughout his future career with Housing Associations and private contractors.
Helen White
Chief Executive, Taff Housing AssociationHelen joined Taff in August 2019.
Having started her housing career working in tenant participation she remains passionate about making sure the needs of tenants and communities are central to how services are designed and delivered.
Helen spends her spare time paddle boarding or watching her two young sons trying out new tricks at various local skate parks.
Selina White
Chief Executive, Magna HousingSelina has led Magna Housing for six years, where she has championed innovative solutions for affordable housing across the South West. As the Chief Executive, she has spearheaded initiatives that prioritise community well-being, sustainability, inclusivity and growth. Selina’s unwavering commitment to affordable housing has made her a respected voice in the industry. She actively collaborates with stakeholders to address housing challenges.
Selina is Chair of the National Housing Federation’s South West Leadership Forum and plays a pivotal role in shaping housing policies and strategies in the region. She is also a dedicated member of Homes for the South West, a collaboration of the 12 largest developing housing associations in the region, helping to shape national housing policy and driving positive change.Ailish Whitehouse
Rough Sleeper Initiative Project Lead, Birmingham Voluntary Service CouncilJohn Wickenden
Research Manager, HousemarkJohn has over 20 years’ experience in the social housing sector covering local authorities, ALMOs, housing associations as well as membership and trade bodies. John’s research covers all aspects of social landlords’ work, with up-to-date analysis of key policy issues and how they affect day-to-day operations.
Matthew Wilkins
Head of Value for Money, Centre for Homelessness ImpactRachael Williamson
Head of Policy and External Affairs, Chartered Institute of HousingRachael Williamson is head of policy and external affairs at the Chartered Institute of Housing, where she’s worked since 2021. Prior to this she worked for the civil service for over 10 years in a number of government departments (Ministry of Housing, Cabinet Office, Defra), as well as for Citizens Advice.
Simon Wilson
CEO, Pioneer GroupSimon has been Chief Executive of the Pioneer Group a community led Housing Association in Birmingham since 2018.
Simon has over 25 years’ experience of working in the social housing sector. Starting his housing career with Places for People in Bradford, West Yorkshire. He has also worked for Accent Group before spending 8 years as Director of Housing at Wulvern Housing in South Cheshire. He left to establish his own Housing Consultancy and worked as an associate with the Housing Quality Network specialising in resident engagement and scrutiny.
Simon studied Housing at Leeds Metropolitan University and has a Professional Certificate and Diploma in Housing and has been a corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Housing since 2005. An experienced senior executive Simon has continued his professional development studying Strategic Leadership at Warwick Business School.
He has also served nine years as a Non-Executive Director on Group Board and Operations Committee with Incommunities in Bradford and is currently Chair of EPIC housing in Stoke-on-Trent. Simon is on Executive of Birmingham Social Housing Partnership, sits on Birmingham Community Safety Partnership Board, MATRIX Development Consortia Board, National Housing Federation Regional Committee and the Leadership Group for Birmingham Anchor Institution Network.
Emma Withnell
Learning Technology and Partnerships Manager, Live WestEmma has a background in both the NHS, children in care, and education sectors. Having been in Housing for the last 6 years, Emma has a unique perspective of Professionalism in Housing, using past and current experience to emphasise the importance of holistic approaches to professional growth. Emma believes that qualifications and training are only part of the journey to developing the Skills, Knowledge, and Behaviours our colleagues need.
Ashley Woolgar
Managing Director, VENTI GroupAndrew Worsdale
Assistant Director of Strategic Asset Management, Aster GroupCarl Yale
Refurbishment Director for Midlands and South, LovellNeil Yeomans
Head of Property Safety and Technology, OrbitNeil is the Head of Customer Safety for Orbit Housing. He joined Orbit in after they became the first housing association ever to be downgraded by the regulator for fire safety reasons. Neil has helped take Orbit from this low point through to becoming the first National housing association to become PAS 7 accredited and the first ever to win a RoSPA Gold award for customer safety. Neil comes from a regulatory background himself, as he used to work in an Environmental Health department, specialising in Housing Standards. He made the leap into housing 7 years ago and is passionate about helping improve customer safety standards across the sector.
Ben Yexley
Business Development Manager, AskPorter