Our governing board works closely with the executive team to set the strategic direction of our business. The board meet four times a year, to guide the work of CIH and ensure we continue to provide excellent support for our members and the wider housing community.
The members of the board come from across the UK, from the public and private sectors, and bring with them a wealth of unique experience and knowledge.
CHOOSE HOUSING is a CIH presidential campaign, by Elly Hoult, that seeks to raise awareness of the career opportunities the housing sector provides. The campaign focuses on encouraging greater diversity in the sector and inspiring more people to pursue housing as a career of choice.
CHOOSE HOUSINGThe executive team is made up of senior colleagues from across the business and drives the strategy set by our governing board.
Our mission at CIH is simple - we support housing professionals to create a future in which everyone has a place to call home.
We conduct research, provide policy analysis, training, qualifications, events and much more to equip our members and the wider housing profession with the skills, knowledge and expertise they need to be the best that they can be. We are also one of the leading voices on housing policy across the UK.
The executive team is responsible for driving this mission and our strategy to make it a reality.
Gavin Smart CIHCM is chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Housing. Prior to joining CIH, Gavin was assistant director of research and futures at the National Housing Federation from 2004 to 2012. Born in Cardiff, Gavin studied public administration at the Polytechnic of Wales and then gained an MSc in sociology at the University of Bristol, where he worked as a research associate on projects for the Department of the Environment, Housing Corporation, Scottish Office and local authorities.
Sue Leppington CIHM has been the director of finance and central services at the Chartered Institute of Housing since July 2022. Having qualified as a chartered accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Birmingham, Sue has spent her career working in a variety of accounting and compliance roles. She has spent the last 14 years working in the not-for-profit sector helping charities to improve their financial performance to improve the outcomes for their beneficiaries.
Sarah Dunkerley CIHM has been the director of professional development at the Chartered Institute of Housing since April 2019. With a passion for vocational education and professional development, throughout her career Sarah has been involved in delivering, developing and quality assuring qualifications and standards across a range of occupational areas – from energy efficiency to procurement and supply. Prior to joining CIH, Sarah held various roles in the further education, awarding and professional body sector, always striving to achieve valuable opportunities for individuals to improve and progress in their career.
Rachael jointed CIH in 2021 as head of policy and external affairs and was appointed as interim director of policy, communications and external affairs in November 2024. Before joining CIH, Rachael worked at Citizens Advice in roles spanning policy research, communications, and fundraising. Prior to that, she spent over ten years working in central government, working on (mainly housing) policy development, legislation, and project management.