North East Housing Partnership names new chair

The North East Housing Partnership (NEHP), a regional group of social housing providers, has appointed John Johnston as chair to lead its next phase of delivery.

John, chief executive of Bernicia, brings 40 years of experience in housing and previously served as vice chair of the partnership.

In his new role, he will focus on driving collaboration across the region to address affordable housing demand, with priorities including development, housing quality and community support.

He will be supported by Louise Bassett, chief executive of Gentoo Group, who has been appointed vice chair.

John said: “The North East Housing Partnership has been on a fantastic journey over the last three years. We mobilised to work together and collaborate, and to support our Combined Authority and local authority partners in the delivery of ambitious growth plans that are unlocking the potential of our region and improving living standards for the regions people. 

“Looking back, we have already achieved so much together, building new and improving existing homes, providing support and opportunity to improve the quality of life and life chances for our tenants and the wider communities we serve.  

“Our success has been because of our brilliant members, mutually supporting each other and delivering positive impacts across a wide range of projects. 

“We hope we are now viewed as a key delivery partner in the Nort East and have exciting plans for the future.”            

John is taking over the role of chair from Karbon Homes’ chief executive Paul Fiddaman, who will step down from the role in April after three years in post.   

Paul added: “It’s been great to see the partnership grow over the last three years and I’m proud to have been able to play such a role in the brilliant projects and initiatives it’s delivered to date. 

“We knew that by bringing the region’s providers together we could do so much more and deliver great outcomes for our customers, but it’s been brilliant to see such a significant shift, from organisation working in relative isolation, to the development of a strong and unified force for change. 

“NEHPs successes to date highlight perfectly the extend of what can be achieved if as a housing sector we invest together, work together, and plan together.” 

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