You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
Longhurst Group has appointed Jenny Brown as the housing association’s new chair.
Ms Brown will succeed current chair Bob Wilson after he steps down in early 2022, having joined Longhurst’s board in July 2019.
The new chair has spent 20 years at Grant Thornton and most recently served as a director at Altair Consultancy.
Ms Brown has also been vice-chair at Arhag Housing Association and a co-opted member of the audit committee at Sheffield Hallam University. She has also worked at the Regulator of Social Housing as part of its enforcement team.
Longhurst is considered one of the largest housing associations across the Midlands and East of England. It manages more than 23,500 homes, provides care and support services, and employs more than 1,200 people.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Brown said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been named as the next chair of Longhurst Group and thank my fellow board members for their support.
“I’d like to thank Bob for his incredible service to the role over his nine-year tenure and I look forward to continuing his excellent work.
“As I look to the future, I’m excited by both the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead as we, as a group, continue to deliver on our ambitious Improving Lives 2025 strategy.”
Outgoing chair Mr Wilson added: “Looking back over the past nine years, it gives me a great sense of pride to see where the group has come from to where it is now. The group has grown and changed beyond recognition in terms not only of its structure and culture, but also its drive and purpose.
“I’d like to be the first to congratulate Jenny on her appointment. I know that she will be a fantastic chair for the group and I wish her all the very best on what I know will continue to be an incredible and exciting journey.”
A government spokesperson said: “Universal Credit has provided a vital safety net for six million people during the pandemic. The temporary uplift is part of a £400 billion support package which continues beyond the ending of restrictions.
“Our focus now is on our multi-billion pound Plan for Jobs, which will support people in the long-term by helping them learn new skills and increase their hours or find new work.”