New chair for Raven Housing Trust

Surrey-based registered provider Raven Housing Trust has appointed Amina Graham as its new chair.

Raven, which manages around 7,000 homes in Redhill, has confirmed that Graham will take over as chair on 18 July. She succeeds Caroline Armitage who is stepping down as she is nearing her nine-year maximum term.

Graham, who is currently chief executive of later living housing charity Whiteley Homes Trust and on the board of Paradigm Housing Group, has had a housing career spanning nearly 17 years.

She has carried out various strategic roles at for housing associations overseeing strategy, change and transformation.

She has held positions at Accent, Housing 21, L&Q and RHP. Before working in housing she worked in the retail sector for Marks and Spencer serving in a number of roles including head of programme and cost management.

Raven also this week announced the appointment of Justin Fanstone to its board. Fanstone has a background in the technology sector, most recently with Google Cloud. A Raven spokesperson said Fanstone’s experience in use of data and application of AI will help Raven use its investment in technology.

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Jonathan Higgs, chief executive of Raven Housing Trust, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Amina and Justin to the board at what is a pivotal time for Raven. As non-executive appointments their insight and leadership will strengthen our governance and help us deliver on the commitments set out in our three-year plan to deliver what matters to our customers.

“Amina’s track record of putting people first and driving change will be a huge asset as she steps into the chair role. Justin’s commercial and digital expertise will help us stay forward-looking and responsive to our customers’ evolving needs.”