Tributes paid to ‘kind and knowledgable’ Stephen Duckworth following death

Social housing sector leaders past and present have paid tribute to Stephen Duckworth.

Duckworth, who served as finance policy director at the National Housing Federation for two decades from 1982 to 2002, has died leaving his two daughters. 

Over the past few hours, tributes have been left to Duckworth, who was also a trustee of the Pensions Trust from 2004 to 2014, on the social media platform LinkedIn.

James Tickell, partner at Campbell Tickell said Duckworth was a “kind, knowledgeable and modest man, who made a huge contribution in housing and beyond.”

Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing said: “Sad to hear this news. I remember Stephen well from my time at the federation. He was thoughtful and knowledgeable, both of which he put to use in doing excellent work for the greater good. But beyond that he was also kind and gentle. A real gentleman in the true meaning of the word. He will be greatly missed.”

Richard McCarthy, experienced executive and chair and former senior civil servant, said: “How very sad. He was a man of great qualities, in particular his humanity and humility. It is impossible to think of Stephen other than with complete respect and with a smile on your face.”

Terrie Alafat, another former civil servant and past chief executive of the CIH, said: “During my time in Government I always appreciated Stephen’s wise and expert advice. My thoughts are with his family.”

Tom Murtha, former chief executive of Midland Heart, said: “I have known Stephen since the early 1980s when we worked together at the National Housing Federation. A highly intelligent softly spoken man with a huge knowledge of social housing finance. A true gentleman of the housing world, he will be missed.

Geeta Nanda, former chief executive of Metropolitan Thames Valley and board member at Barratt Redrow, said: “Very sorry to hear this. Such a knowledgeable and kind man.”