Association of Directors of Housing announces interim leadership board

A new representative body for council housing directors has announced its interim leadership board.

The Association of Directors of Housing (AoDH), which is being set up to represent senior housing and homelessness leaders in local authorities, has confirmed the 13 people who will sit on its board (full list below).

It will be co-chaired by Hakeem Osinaike of Southwark Council and Glyn Halksworth of Southend-on-Sea City Council. The deputy chair is Deborah Fenton of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. Louise Wood of Cornwall Council is governance and operations lead, while Patrick Odling-Smee is finance and resources lead.

A spokesperson for ADoH said: “This group will guide the strategic direction of the Association and ensure its long-term sustainability as we continue to champion excellence in housing leadership across local government.”

“This diverse and experienced team brings together senior housing leaders from across the country to shape the future of the Association and support the sector through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy.”

The announcement comes a month after Jo Allchurch, a senior policy adviser at the Local Government Association, was announced as its executive leader.

Allchurch will lead the development of ADoH’s strategic plan and be the “face and voice” of the organisation with the tile of “director of strategy, impact & operations”.

ADoH is shortly expected to be opened up to members. It has received seed funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government but is expected to fund itself through membership fees from next April.