Housing Futures Cymru panel announced

After enormous interest from Welsh housing professionals, and some tough decisions for the appointing panel, the make up of the Housing Futures Cymru panel has been announced.

The Housing Futures Cymru panel will be an advisory group of younger or new housing professionals working in frontline housing services. They will advise on housing policy, new ideas and the direction of the sector.

On the panel are:

• Cheryl Tracey (co-optee from CIH’s UK-wide member of the future group)
• Katie Howells, executive support officer, Merthyr Valleys Homes
• Robert Panou, development manager, Bron Afon Community Housing
• Rachel Honey-Jones, community regeneration manager, Newydd Housing Association
• Jodie Davies, tenant participation liaison officer, Isle of Anglesey County Council
• Abdi Segulle, scheme manager, Taff Housing Association
• Naomii Thomas, voids manager, Cardiff Council
• Cerian Jones, community housing manager, Coastal Housing Group
• Rebecca Preston, Gwent gypsy and traveller lead, Gwalia – Pobl
• Ruth Davies, neighbourhood manager, Charter Housing
• Louise Taggart, digital inclusion officer, United Welsh

Matt Dicks, director of CIH Cymru said:

“It’s vital that we give a voice, and crucially that we listen, to new and younger professionals who are at the coalface of providing people with safe, affordable homes. There are leaders in our sector at every stage in their career, and at every level within organisations, and the ideas and creativity that they bring to the table will be at the heart of ensuring a vibrant and healthy housing sector in the future.

I would like to congratulate every applicant for not only the quality of their applications, but for stepping up to the plate to make a difference. I think it is extremely heartening to see so much enthusiasm and drive from young housing professionals.

I would also like to thank Welsh Government for supporting us in our search for panel members, I am sure that they will be hearing plenty of new ideas and constructive challenge from Housing Futures Cymru; it’s encouraging that they’ve already shown willing to take that on board.”