Tributes pour in for ‘compassionate and committed’ housing leader Paul Bridge

Mr Tookey, who worked with Mr Bridge at Baily Garner, said: “Those who knew Paul, and there were plenty, will know that he was a true leader, having held chief executive positions at the London Borough of Haringey, Civitas and various housing associations, as well as an impressive CV including other senior roles. 

“[He was] a great motivator, a deep thinker, fantastic orator, as well as a sensitive and caring man with a passion for living life and having fun while [being] attentive to the less fortunate or marginalised members of society.

“Paul’s tragic and untimely death is a reminder to us all to look after yourself and look after each other. Paul will be greatly missed and remembered with love.”

Mr Bridge graduated from the University of Reading in 1992, and started his housing career working in welfare benefits advice, before becoming a rent recovery officer and a housing officer.

In an article about his own career, Mr Bridge said these early roles lit a passion to “do as much as I could in my professional career to improve the management and supply of social housing in the UK”.

He worked for councils on regeneration projects and later became chief executive of Homes for Haringey, Haringey Council’s ALMO. In a 2013 article for Inside Housing, he wrote about the ALMO’s scheme to help young people into employment.

“Many young people today face a myriad of challenges in a relatively prosperous society. Although it would be hyperbole to suggest any organisation can fix this, it is surely right that all housing providers do their utmost to help where they can,” he wrote.

Mr Bridge later became social housing chief executive of Civitas Investment Management, where he spent nearly seven years. He joined the business in 2016 from Catalyst Housing, where he was interim executive director of customer services.

While at Civitas, Mr Bridge was also a non-executive director of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing from 2018 to 2021 and chaired housing thinktank The Bermondsey Group from 2008 to 2018.

Mr Bridge left Civitas in 2023 to become chair and founder of The Clive Smith Foundation, which aims to offer understanding and support to people experiencing mental health problems, particularly in the housing sector.

The foundation is named after architect Clive Smith, who unexpectedly died by suicide in 2021.

Leading tributes to Mr Bridge, the Chartered Institute of Housing said it was “deeply saddened” by his death. 

“Paul was a respected leader in housing whose intellect, compassion and commitment to the profession touched many. His courage in speaking openly about mental health and his drive to support others were hallmarks of his life’s work.

“Paul’s contribution extended beyond housing – including his role in setting up the Clive Smith Foundation, a cause dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide and supporting mental well-being. That legacy stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of care, connection and compassion.”

If you or you believe a person you know is at risk of suicide, you can reach the Samaritans here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.