Nottingham-based Tuntum Housing Association has appointed Deirdre LaBassiere as its chair.
LaBassiere has more than 20 years’ experience in governance and leadership roles. She is interim director of governance at Sustain UK Ltd and was previously a board member of Nehemiah United Churches Housing Association.
She also chairs the Legacy Centre of Excellence, a Black-led cultural and community organisation. She has previously chaired Women Acting in Today’s Society (WAITS), Common Purpose West Midlands, and The Lunar Society.
Tuntum manages more than 1,600 homes for more than 3,000 people in 12 local authority areas. It also provides accommodation and specialist services for older people, refugees, young mothers, people with mental health difficulties, and homeless young people.
The association was set up in 1988 by activists from Nottingham’s Black community to provide good quality housing and jobs for people of BME heritage in the city.
LaBassiere said: “I am delighted to become Tuntum’s chair and look forward to working with the senior management team, board colleagues and residents.
“Housing has always been more than a profession for me. I believe that safe, affordable housing provides the foundation for dignity, opportunity, wellbeing and stronger communities.
“This belief has guided my work – from helping housing associations navigate regulatory challenges and organisational change, to championing community-led housing for Black and global majority women, and shaping plans for affordable homes and neighbourhood renewal in Birmingham’s Newtown community.
“I look forward to bringing these values and experiences to my work at Tuntum.”
Charmaine Simei, chief executive of Tuntum, added: “We are thrilled to announce Deirdre as our new chair.
“Her impressive career has incorporated the housing, health, charity, business and civic sectors, where she has worked alongside Boards, chief executives, tenants, communities and regulators to strengthen organisations, improve services and build trust.
“As Tuntum prepares to enter the final 12 months of our three-year Building Brighter Futures strategy and we turn our minds to the next chapter, Deirdre’s knowledge and visionary approach will be invaluable.”
Main image: Deirdre LaBassiere, chair, Tuntum Housing Association
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