TAI 2025

Matt took his current role armed with a breadth of knowledge of the Welsh policy landscape following 17 years of working as a senior communicator at the heart of Welsh civic and political life. He joined the National Assembly for Wales (now Welsh parliament) as its head of news. He transformed the Welsh Parliament’s media operation into the modern multi-platform, multi-media function you see today.

Emily has been part of the Savills Residential Research team since 2011, analysing all aspects of the housing market, with a particular focus on planning, development and sustainability.

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.

Douglas is a director of the National Residential Landlords Association which represents nearly 100,000 private landlords across England and Wales as well as the Managing Director of the Seraph Group which manages, sells and develops properties across Wales and parts of England. He is a chartered surveyor and has been involved in policy making for the private rented sector since 2008. He is also a private landlord and a Scotland rugby fan (for some reason).

Alan has been CEO of Bron Afon Community Housing since 2017 and has recently joined the Board of Community Housing Cymru. He has worked at a senior level within the housing sector for many years, mostly in England, but with spells in Scotland and previously in Wales. He remains as passionate about the work we do in housing as ever.

Jason became Chief Executive at Newydd Housing Association in October 2020, having been Housing Director at Newydd since 2003. Previously to this, he worked at a number of Welsh housing organisations including Torfaen County Borough Council, Family Housing Association and Glamorgan & Gwent Housing Association. Jason is currently a Board member of CIH Cymru. In respect of free time, Jason much prefers two wheels than four, and prefers sliding down a hill than walking

Cerys Clark is the policy and public affairs manager for CIH Cymru. Cerys has a background in local authority work from frontline homelessness to housing strategy and policy work. She is currently undertaking a PhD looking into early intervention and prevention of rough sleeping in Wales at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Gareth has worked at Cartrefi Conwy for 6 years where he currently leads delivering strategic projects alongside the senior leadership team. He is also Chair of the CIH Housing Futures Cymru panel and a member of the UK-wide CIH Futures board. He is driven by always looking to improve the way we do things and ultimately make a difference for the people he works with.

Sarah is an experienced CFO and NED, and is the founder and Director of Redyn Consulting. She trained as an FCA with PwC and thas held senior leadership roles in a number of Welsh housing associations, most recently at Valleys to Coast, where she was CFO. She is an experienced NED. In March 2023 she took up a role as Chief Operating Officer with Be First Regeneration who aim to build 50,000 homes.