Wolverhampton Homes’ Haydon wins election
Chartered Institute of Housing members have elected Julie Haydon as the organisation’s next vice president.
Haydon, who is director of corporate services at the arm’s length management organisation Wolverhampton Homes, secured more than 51% of the vote. She was elected ahead of the other two candidates Hony Premlal and Thomas Sutton.
She will take over from Elly Hoult, chief operating officer at Peabody, as vice president following the CIH’s annual general meeting in October this year. Hoult will move into the role of CIH president, replacing Jill Murray who has held the position for the last 12 months.
By convention, Haydon will then become CIH president in 2025.
Haydon also runs her own business, JH Coaching, where she works as a performance coach and mentor.
>> See also: CIH vice-president election 2024: a guide to the candidates
She ran for the position on a manifesto focused on “change, growth and innovation”, drawing on 25 years of experience in corporate services and HR, as well as her experience growing up in social housing in the West Midlands.
Haydon said she was “truly honoured and humbled” to have been voted in as the next vice president of the CIH.
She added: “All the candidates were deserving this year, and we should be proud that we have such good talent within the CIH. I have a passion for the positive impact, we as housing professionals, can make on people, places and areas we work in. I am really excited to get stuck in supporting Elly in her presidential campaign. Thank you for your trust and encouragement.”
Geraldine Howley, chair of CIH’s governing board, described Haydon as a “dedicated and truly passionate housing professional” and said she looks forward to welcoming her to the presidential team in September.
Gavin Smart, chief executive of CIH, added: “We’re delighted to announce Julie as the vice president-elect of the Chartered Institute of Housing. I am sure that she will bring huge energy and passion, and together, her and Elly Holt will make an excellent presidential team.”
Julie Haydon’s manifesto statement in full
A manifesto for change, growth and innovation
“Who I am? Julie Haydon: wife, mother, friend, mentor and director of corporate services for Wolverhampton Homes.
“My work role sees the leadership of around 700 employees, with a focus on redesign and delivery of services, customer first, driving digital and customer voice.
“I have over 25 years experience across a number of disciplines, including the housing sector, and have worked my way up from frontline services to senior management.
“I have a passion for social housing and the difference it can make to people’s lives – 15 minutes of our time, effort, and support can make a lifetime of difference to our customers.
“Having grown up in social housing, in a deprived area of the West Midlands, my parents struggled to make ends meet. They worked hard to provide a decent, safe, and secure home for myself and my four siblings, while facing many challenges, such as poor quality housing, anti-social behaviour, stigma, and discrimination. I have seen first-hand how housing can affect people’s health, wellbeing, education, and life opportunities, and how housing provision can be a source of pride, community, and empowerment.
“I chose to pursue a career in housing to be able to give something back and make a positive impact on people and places. I joined the Chartered Institute of Housing and have been an active and committed member ever since, completing several CIH qualifications along the way. I’m currently studying for my level 5 qualification in Housing Studies. I have also been involved in various CIH networks and events, such as the Women in Housing Awards and the Housing Conferences.
I have seen first-hand how housing can affect people’s health, wellbeing, education, and life opportunities, and how housing provision can be a source of pride, community, and empowerment
“Why I am standing? I have the skills, experience, and vision to lead the institute and the profession during the currently challenging times and future uncertain times. It is important to be able to deliver results, drive change, and inspire others, and I have an accomplished and proven record of doing so.
“In standing for the position of vice president of CIH it will be my aim to make a difference, not only to the institute and its members, but for the wider society and the people we serve. Championing the role with a focus on the value of housing professionals, I want to promote the excellence and diversity of the housing sector, to ensure there is understanding and inclusion at every level. It is important to me, personally, to advocate for the rights and needs of the people who live in our homes, who can often be marginalised and disadvantaged.
“How can you support me? It is important to me to share my passion, vision, and ambition for CIH and the housing sector. I hope that this manifesto provides you with assurance that I can be trusted to represent the institute and profession. If so, please vote for me to become the next vice president of CIH.”
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