New representative body for council housing directors due to launch in 2025/26

A new representative body for directors of housing and homelessness services in local authorities is expected to launch this year.

The Association of Directors of Housing (AdOH) is supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Local Government Association (LGA).

A steering group led by Louise Wood, service director for planning and housing at Cornwall Council and Hakeem Osinaike, strategic director of housing at Southwark Council, is working on the plans for the body.

The group seeking to set up the new body posted on social media that the initiative “represents a significant and exciting opportunity for directors to collaborate on both national and regional levels, working together towards shared goals and aspirations”.

It said: “We are thrilled to announce that we have received invaluable support from the MHCLG and the LGA to establish ADoH.

“This marks the beginning of a transformative journey, fostering innovation, cooperation, and excellence within the housing sector. We look forward to the impactful contributions and collective achievements that will arise from this collaborative effort.”

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Adam Hug, housing spokesperson for the LGA, said: “In partnership with the MHCLG, the LGA is supporting the establishment of an ADoH in 2025-26.

“This new association will act as a focal point for the sector to collaborate, network, and share best practice more effectively, on a range of housing issues.”

The group said further announcements about the new body will be made ‘in due course’.