Umbrella body’s “absolute priority” must be to ensure safety for residents
Helen Evans, chief executive of Network Homes, has vowed to make residential safety the top priority of the G15 group of London’s largest housing associations as she assumed the role of chair at the organisation.
The first woman to chair the G15, Evans succeeds Paul Hackett, Optivo’s chief executive, who held the role for two years.
She said that while there had been some progress since the Grenfell Tower fire of two years ago “there is still more to do to ensure that such a terrible thing can never happen again”.
“The G15’s absolute priority over the next two years is to ensure that we know for sure that all our homes are as safe as they can be. Those of us who are early adopters of the National Housing Federation’s Together with Tenants pledge will collaborate to ensure this project results in a relationship with residents that builds their trust and confidence.”
The G15 was united in its commitment “to make as big a contribution to meeting the housing needs of the people of this city as we reasonably can. We are here for all Londoners who need that helping hand”, she added.
Geeta Nanda, chief executive of Metropolitan Thames Valley, has become the G15’s vice chair.
Evans said she would be working with Nanda “to ensure the G15 remains at the heart of the debate on affordable housing delivery in London. I am the first woman to be the chair of G15 and in two years’ time Geeta will be the second.
“In a sector where women are underrepresented at senior levels, that is something to celebrate.”
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