Housing heavyweights throw their hats into the ring in battle for top job
Race for chief executive role out of the gates
The first runners and riders are emerging for the role of chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Applications for the post closed this week, with current interim chief executive Grainia Long understood to have thrown her hat into the ring for the top job on a permanent basis. Ms Long took up her current role last August when previous chief executive Sarah Webb stepped down.
Also in contention is Claer Lloyd-Jones, current chief executive of the Tenant Services Authority. The TSA is due to hand over its regulatory role to the Homes and Communities Agency regulation committee on 1 April, leaving Ms Lloyd-Jones as a gun for hire.
‘I am of course keeping my options open about my future career but I’m flattered to be considered by some a suitable candidate for such a prestigious organisation,’ she said.
Two housing association heavyweights have also been linked to the post: Bill Payne, former chief executive of Metropolitan Housing Group, and Tom Murtha, who leaves Midland Heart later this year. Mr Payne strenuously denied any desire to take up the role, while Mr Murtha commented that perhaps the ‘next generation’ should apply for the role.
Other figures who might be looking for a new role include Stephen Greenhalgh, who steps down as leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council later this year, and Jenny Edwards, former chief executive of Homeless Link.
The appointment is expected to be made in the next few weeks.
Runners and riders
Grainia Long
Current job: interim chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing
Form: favourite at the start, with a wealth of experience and a foot in the door
Stephen Greenhalgh
Current job: leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council
Form: an outside choice but he is considered influential on housing and is available later this year
Tom Murtha
Current job: chief executive of Midland Heart and chair of HACT
Form: due to leave Midland Heart this summer. Respected and has decades of housing experience
Claer Lloyd-Jones
Current job: chief executive of the Tenant Services Authority
Form: might be looking for a new role as the TSA is scaled back. Popular in the sector
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Readers' comments (4)
Rick Campbell | 27/01/2012 4:28 am
It won't be me that'll be doing any of the choosing but ....
Grania Long or Tom Murtagh would be good in the job -- I would lean slightly in favour of Tom though because of his attack on government and support for tenants.
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MJA | 27/01/2012 6:46 am
The sector needs someone with gravitas, who has extensive practical (rather than policy) front-line housing experience.
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steve king | 27/01/2012 12:39 pm
Had some correspondence with Claer Lloyd Jones recently and in my opinion she is the last person that would be suitable for any position with the CIH so be warned ! I understand there are a lot of jobs coming up at Mc Donalds soon Claer, its far easier to get things right there !
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Ernie Gray | 28/01/2012 3:37 pm
If Bill Payne throws his hat into the ring that would be excellent, The combination of Bill together with Robin Lawler as CIOH presidnet and Paul Tennanthopefully as Vice President would be a formidable trio who worked in various roles in Leeds. Theyare the people to lead and take on the new challenges. Remeber in four years in willbe the 50th annivesary of Cathy Come Home. It will also be the infancy of the new government. The next four years are crucial to shape and infulence housing policy with all political parties.
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