Hastoe Housing Association, England’s largest rural social housing provider, has appointed Lindy Morgan as its new Chair of the Board.
Lindy succeeds Ed Buscall, who has retired after seven years as chair and a total of nine years as a board member.
Lindy has previously held a range of executive and non-executive positions including director of Sovereign Development Consortium and chair of Westworks Procurement Ltd.
For the past 11 years, Lindy has served on the board of Abri Housing Association, spending four years as vice-chair and the last three as chair.
Commenting on her appointment, Lindy said: “My passion for affordable homes began when I went through homelessness and then became a tenant, firstly of a local authority and then a housing association.
“Listening to our customers and delivering services that ensure customer satisfaction sits at the top of my agenda alongside making sure we maximise our opportunities to deliver more quality, affordable and sustainable homes for future generations.
“Through my position as chair, and working together with the whole Hastoe team, I am ambitious to see us help address housing and economic inequalities that many of our customers face, particularly in our rural communities.
“I am acutely aware that rising energy and food bills are leading to a cost-of-living crisis particularly for those on the lowest incomes and, with many of our houses in rural locations, the cost of travel is exacerbating the issue.
“Members of the board are very aware of the difficulties facing people and we are determined to do what we can to help.”
She continued: “I am a passionate believer in the right to a decent home that is affordable and the important fundamental role a home plays in the sustainability and strength of communities.
“My 30 years of housing experience has been based mainly around new homes development as well as mixed use regeneration for local authorities, housing associations and community groups.
“I hate waste and reinventing the wheel and therefore support a collaborative approach striving to work effectively and efficiently.
“I’m looking forward to joining and working with the whole team at Hastoe and building on what’s already been accomplished.”
Outgoing chair Ed Buscall said: “Lindy brings a wealth of experience in regeneration and development and has a deep commitment to community and customer engagement.
“In fact all those attributes essential for a successful housing association. I wish her and Hastoe all the very best for the future.”
Hastoe is a housing association that owns and manages over 7,500 rented, shared ownership, and leasehold homes in over 70 local authority areas and 300 villages in England.
Image: Lindy Morgan, chair, Hastoe
Read next: Torus CEO joins North West Business Leadership Team
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
