A year in review at CIH Ireland

As we close out 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable progress and achievements of CIH Ireland. With a mission to support housing professionals across the country, 2024 was a year of growth, continuous professional development (CPD) and innovation. Whether you’re a member, or considering joining us, this recap highlights why CIH Ireland remains at the forefront of professional development in the housing sector.

This year, CIH Ireland delivered eight impactful CPD events, all tailored to the pressing challenges faced by housing professionals. From tackling damp and mould issues to designing cost rental schemes, each session provided actionable insights and solutions.

The culmination of these efforts was the All Ireland Summit, our largest event to date, held in the Europa hotel in Belfast. With sold out attendance, it showcased the housing sector's collective commitment to excellence.

When it came to showcasing good practice the inaugural All Ireland Housing Awards was held for the first time at the historic Mansion House in Dublin, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of housing excellence. The event attracted a large and enthusiastic audience, providing a platform to share good practice, spotlight innovation, and showcase the impactful work of housing professionals and their communities. The awards underscored the vital contributions of the sector in addressing housing challenges and celebrated achievements that are transforming lives across Ireland.

CIH Ireland Futures expanded significantly, and leadership was strengthened with the appointment of John Barrett, estate manager at The Iveagh Trust as chair and Laura McDonnell, head of policy and communications at Cluid Housing as vice chair.

Throughout the year, the group focused on promoting housing as a rewarding career choice to third-level students across Ireland. This mission was carried out through engaging class presentations, and active participation in career fairs at third institutions such as Technological University Dublin, Dundalk Institute of Technology, and Liberties College, inspiring the next generation to consider impactful careers in housing.

In 2024, we doubled our membership, a testament to the value that housing professionals find in CIH Ireland’s offerings. We also saw record numbers of learners from the Certificate in Housing choosing to take up certified practitioner membership marking a new era of engagement and growth.

Looking ahead for those seeking to expand their expertise, we will be introducing a new qualification equivalent to a level five on the QQ1 framework through the CIH Housing Academy in 2025. Also, our partnership with a leading Dublin university promises to revolutionise housing education with a postgraduate diploma and a housing degree. These initiatives underline our commitment to equipping professionals with the tools they need for the future.

This year also brought changes to CIH Ireland’s board. Kathleen Cottier, CEO at Fold Housing Association stepped into the role of chair, supported by Aine McGaley, head of service delivery at L&Q as vice chair. Additionally, John Hannigan, CEO at Circle Voluntary Housing Association, a longstanding CIH Ireland fellow member, was appointed chair of the governing board, ensuring that Irish perspectives are represented at the highest level.

CIH Ireland’s achievements in 2024 reflect our unwavering commitment to supporting housing professionals. As we look ahead to 2025, we invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you’re advancing your career, seeking new qualifications, or networking with peers, CIH Ireland offers the community to thrive.

Ready to take the next step? Visit CIH Ireland’s webpage to learn more about membership and upcoming events. Together, we can shape the future of housing in Ireland.