The Chartered Institute of Housing’s (CIH) new president, Julie Haydon has unveiled her presidential campaign – Rooted in Resilience.
Haydon officially assumed the role at the organisation’s annual general meeting today. Over the next year, her campaign will highlight the importance of developing a resilient mindset, and how doing so can help housing professionals to thrive in a sector that continues to face change and challenge.
Haydon said: “Resilience is something we all draw on — as individuals, as organisations and as a sector. In housing, our resilience is tested daily, but it is also what gives us the drive and the strength to create solutions, support people and build communities where everyone can thrive. A short amount of our time can have a significant impact.
“My campaign is about recognising and amplifying that resilience — rooted in our values, our people and in the communities we serve. I’m excited to work with CIH members, partners and the wider housing family to share stories of resilience and to create opportunities for us to learn from one another.”
The campaign is intended to support housing professionals to shift from a “survival mindset” to one that thrives on learning and collaboration. It will offer practical tools and inspiration to embed growth into personal development, team culture and leadership practice — enabling professionals to better serve communities while supporting one another.
Launched on World Mental Health Day, the campaign will run throughout Haydon’s time in office.
As the campaign is explained, to be ROOTED means:
- R – Resilience at the core of who we are: Because in housing, challenges aren’t occasional, they’re constant; resilience isn’t just a trait, it’s a foundation
- O – Openness to evolve as the world changes around us: Regulation shifts, legislation advances, expectations rise; we adapt — not reluctantly, but proactively
- O – Opportunities found in every challenge: Whether faced with crisis or complexity, we don’t just respond — we innovate, improve, and push forward
- T – Thrive — refusing to settle for survival mode: This campaign is not about simply getting by; it’s about growing stronger, even in uncertainty
- E – Education to build the skills, confidence, and competence to lead: True resilience comes from knowledge and the confidence to use it
- D – Development in ourselves so we can uplift others: Because when we grow, our teams, our organisations and our communities grow with us
Mental well-being
Gavin Smart, chief executive of the CIH, said: “Julie’s Rooted in Resilience campaign will support and encourage housing professionals to develop the resilience we need to respond to the complex, volatile and demanding world we work in.
“By bolstering our mental wellbeing and adopting a growth mindset we can all contribute to a thriving housing sector ready to maximise the life-changing impact of the work we do. I look forward to seeing CIH members and the wider sector engage with Julie’s campaign over the next 12 months.”
Alongside her campaign, Haydon has chosen to raise money for Mind, as part of her presidential term; a charity dedicated to ensuring no one goes through mental ill health alone. The charity’s work helps millions of people get the support and information they need, when they need it.
She said: “I chose Mind because resilience is not just about organisational strength, but about the wellbeing and mental health of the people who live and work in our communities, and those who dedicate their careers to housing.
“Supporting Mind resonates deeply with my campaign. It reminds us that true resilience comes from looking after ourselves and each other. I am honoured to be fundraising for a charity that provides vital support and helps to break down the stigma around mental health.”
Main image: Julie Haydon, president, Chartered Institute of Housing
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