Housing champion Ralph Hewitt has announced he is stepping down from his involvement with Incommunities, which stretches back 17 years.
Ralph, from Haworth Road, has been a staunch supporter of the housing provider, having served as a board member till 2013, chair of its former West City Local Management Trust, and as a member of the group’s Community Trust Panel.
Throughout, he has been committed to standing up for tenants’ rights and working to improve local housing services.
In 2015, Ralph received a special award from Incommunities for his dedicated long service as an ‘involved tenant’.
As a member of Incommunities’ Customer Equality Steering Group, he has been passionate about promoting diversity and ensuring the group’s customer services meet the needs of everyone.
Ralph has also been busy in his own community, and served as chair of the Haworth Road Tenant and Residents Association for over 20 years till 2011.
He was a school governor for 23 years and also vice chair of a European-funded community project, based at Holroyd Court, in the Haworth Road area.
Geraldine Howley, Incommunities group chief executive, said: “Ralph knows housing inside out, right from the council housing days, and he played a key role in the setting up of the business at the time of stock transfer in 2003.
“He has sometimes challenged us to ensure the right improvements were made for the benefit of local tenants.
“However, his contribution is greatly appreciated by everyone at Incommunities, and he will be missed.
“We all wish Ralph and his wife Joan many years of happiness ahead.”
Ralph said: “It has been an honour to represent the interests of tenants locally and across the district and at the same time be a part of the development of Incommunities.”
“A great deal of credit must go to staff and ‘involved customers’ for their hard work over the years and also the leadership shown by Geraldine.
“Joan and I are now looking forward to putting our feet up and leaving housing matters to others.”
In recognition of Ralph’s work, Incommunities arranged the presentation of a Betty’s hamper and Joan received a bouquet of flowers.
Image: Ralph Hewitt, housing champion, Incommunities
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