Bernicia Homes’ boss John Johnston will head the board of the North East Housing Partnership

The North East Housing Partnership (NEHP), a group of 19 social housing providers, has appointed John Johnston as its new board chair.

John Johnston NEHP new chair

John Johnston, NEHP’s new chair

The chief executive of Ashington-based housing association Bernicia Homes has stepped up to the role following three years as vice chair.

He is taking over from outgoing chair Paul Fiddaman, chief executive of Karbon Homes, who is stepping down after three years in post.

NEHP was established in 2023 with the aim of addressing the region’s significant social housing waiting list.

Partners consist of both housing associations and local authorities in the seven local authority areas covered by the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority.

Collectively the partners own and manage over 200,000 homes across the region.

 

At-a-glance: North East Housing Partnership members

Believe Housing

Bernicia Homes

Castles & Coasts

Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association

Durham County Council

Gateshead Council

Gentoo

Home Group

Karbon Homes

Livin

Newcastle City Council

North Star

North Tyneside Council

Northumberland County Council

Places for People

South Tyneside Council

Sunderland City Council,

Thirteen Group

Tyne Housing

Louise Bassett, chief executive of Sunderland-based Gentoo Group has been appointed as NEHP’s vice chair.

Meanwhile, four new workstream leads have also been selected.

Sarah Robson, executive director of development and asset management at Karbon Homes will lead activity under the development and regeneration workstream.

Marc Edwards, executive director of property at Gentoo will lead on quality of homes and investment.

Alan Smith, chief executive of Believe Housing is taking on better lives, skills and inclusion.

Vicky Sibson, strategic housing services manager at Gateshead Council, will head up the homelessness, specialist and supported housing workstream.

 

 

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