The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has appointed John Hannigan as the new chair of its governing board, succeeding Geraldine Howley OBE to the role.
Hannigan, who is chief executive of Circle Voluntary Housing Association, and former chair of CIH Ireland’s advisory board, was approved and appointed at the organisation’s 60th annual general meeting on Monday.
He takes over from Howley, who has held the position for the past two terms and served on CIH’s board since 2015. Hannah Harvey also retired from the governing board, while Aileen Evans was appointed for a second term.
Howley said: “It’s been an honour to serve as chair of the CIH governing board for the last six years. As a committed housing professional to be asked to take up the role was a real career highlight.
“I am delighted with the progress that CIH has made during my time as chair, and I am pleased to be handing over to John with the organisation in such a good place. John is a committed housing professional and a long-standing member of CIH, and I know he will do a fantastic job.
“I’d like to thank John, the board vice chairs, Chan Kataria and Aileen Evans for all the help and support they have given me and extend the same thanks to all other board members current and past.
“My thanks also go to Gavin and the executive team for their valued support and advice during my term as chair. I will miss working with them all, but I will continue to be involved with CIH and its work, including through continuing to serve on the boards of CIH Asia Pacific and CIH Canada”
Hannigan said: “I’m honoured to take up the position as chair of Chartered Institute of Housing’s governing board. I’m excited to work with the board to navigate the evolving landscape, collaborate with stakeholders on the issues that matter, and seize opportunities that will deliver additional value for our members.
“Geraldine Howley has led the governing board with exceptional leadership, diligence, dedication and professionalism. I look forward to continuing the great work she has done, continuing to work closely with the board and management team at CIH, to drive continued growth and excellence for our sector and particularly our members.”
Hannigan has been a long-standing trustee of CIH, stepping down as chair of CIH’s audit and risk committee (ARC) to take up the position as chair of the governing board.
CIH’s ARC provides strategic advice to the governing board on matters of risk, accountability, compliance, fraud and effectiveness of CIH’s financial governance, and to provide assurance to CIH members that these matters are being managed effectively. Chan Kataria was approved as the new chair of ARC.
Financial progress
The governing board has also announced to the AGM that CIH’s financial progress continues with the organisation reporting a surplus in 2023-24 for the fifth successive year.
According to CIH, the £2.3m reported surplus was the product of both “excellent underlying organisational performance” and an “incredibly generous” legacy of £1.1m from the estate of Tony Babbage, a long standing CIH member.
The AGM noted how “extremely grateful” CIH are to Mr Babbage and his family for his generosity. CIH’s balance sheet continues to strengthen and now show positive assets of £7.95m, a near £12m improvement on the position at 31 December 2016, which was a deficit of £3.94m. It was reported that cash performance remains “very strong” with balances of £2.5m at year end.
Passing the presidential mantle
Jill Murray stepped down from her role as CIH president at the AGM, following what the organisation described as an “inspirational year”, making way for Elly Hoult to take up this presidential mantle.
Hoult’s presidential campaign, CHOOSE HOUSING, will launch later this month.
Julie Haydon was officially appointed as CIH’s vice president and approved as a co-optee to the governing board along with James Ballantyne from CIH Futures, and Nigel Finney from the Professional Standards Committee.
Three new governing board trustees were also approved: Joseph Carr, Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher and Paul Smith.
Gavin Smart, CIH’s chief executive, said: ”I extend our heartfelt thanks to Geraldine for her tremendous dedication to CIH, steering the organisation on to a path of financial viability, prosperity and growth over the last six years as chair.
“We are delighted to see John as the new chair designate of our governing board. He brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the role as well as extensive relevant experience.
“I look forward to working with John, and the rest of the governing body, to ensure CIH continues to be a successful, accountable, strategic, modern, inclusive and dynamic organisation that is both prepared to face future challenges and fit for purpose.”
Cottier for Ireland
Meanwhile, Kath Cottier, chief executive of Fold Housing, has been approved as chair of CIH Ireland’s advisory board, succeeding Hannigan in the role.
Cottier has over 20 years of experience working in the Irish housing association sector; leading development, property and housing teams.
Prior to her role as chief executive at Fold, at executive level in Clúid Housing, she was responsible for front-line services and working to lead the organisations strategic development and growth as well as contribute to strengthening the housing association sector.
She is a founding member of the Construction Defects Alliance lobbying for financial redress for individuals and housing associations who bought defective homes that don’t meet building standards. As a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, she has served on the Ireland board since 2020.
Cottier said: “I have benefited greatly from my membership of the CIH with the ability to access networks, training and information that has supported my professional development. This underpins my commitment to the CIH as the new chair, and I’m excited about growing our offer in Ireland and how it will contribute to supporting further professionalism of the housing sector in our country.”
Caroline Moloney, national director for Ireland, said: “I am delighted to welcome Kath as our new chair of the board. Kath’s experience in the sector along with her exceptional leadership will ensure CIH continues to contribute to the professional development of housing in Ireland.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank John for his invaluable contribution to the board and his support over the last few years where CIH Ireland has witnessed a significant amount of growth.”
Main image: John Hannigan, chair of the governing board, Chartered Institute of Housing
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