John Hannigan becomes chair of CIH

John Hannigan, CEO of Circle Voluntary Housing Association and former chair of CIH Ireland’s advisory board, has been approved and appointed as chair of CIH’s governing board at the organisation’s sixtieth annual meeting on Monday 14 October.

John takes over from Geraldine Howley OBE, who has held the position for the past two terms and served on CIH’s board since 2015. Hannah Harvey also retired from the governing board, while Aileen Evans was appointed for a second term.

Commenting on stepping down from her role as chair, Geraldine Howley said: “It’s been an honour to serve as chair of the CIH governing board for the last six years. As a committed housing professional to be asked to take up the role was a real career highlight.

“I am delighted with the progress that CIH has made during my time as chair, and I am pleased to be handing over to John with the organisation in such a good place. John is a committed housing professional and a long-standing member of CIH, and I know he will do a fantastic job."

She added: “I’d like to thank John, the board vice chairs, Chan Kataria and Aileen Evans, for all the help and support they have given me and extend the same thanks to all other board members current and past. My thanks also go to Gavin and the executive team for their valued support and advice during my term as chair.

"I will miss working with them all, but I will continue to be involved with CIH and its work, including through continuing to serve on the boards of CIH Asia Pacific and CIH Canada.”

Commenting on his official appointment, John said: “I’m honoured to take up the position as chair of Chartered Institute of Housing’s governing board. I’m excited to work with the board to navigate the evolving landscape, collaborate with stakeholders on the issues that matter, and seize opportunities that will deliver additional value for our members.

“Geraldine Howley has led the governing board with exceptional leadership, diligence, dedication and professionalism. I look forward to continuing the great work she has done, continuing to work closely with the board and management team at CIH to drive continued growth and excellence for our sector, and particularly our members.”

John Hannigan has been a long-standing trustee of CIH, stepping down as chair of CIH’s audit and risk committee (ARC) to take up the position as chair of the governing board. CIH’s ARC provides strategic advice to the governing board on matters of risk, accountability, compliance, fraud and effectiveness of CIH’s financial governance, and to provide assurance to CIH members that these matters are being managed effectively. Chan Kataria was approved as the new chair of ARC.

The governing board was pleased to announce to the AGM that CIH’s financial progress continues with the organisation reporting a surplus in 2023-24 for the fifth successive year. The £2.3 million reported surplus was the product of both excellent underlying organisational performance and an incredibly generous legacy of £1.1 million from the estate of Mr Tony Babbage, a long standing CIH member. It was noted how extremely grateful CIH are to Mr Babbage and his family for his generosity.

CIH’s balance sheet continues to strengthen and now shows positive assets of £7.95 million, a near £12 million improvement on the position at 31 December 2016 which was a deficit of £3.94 million. It was reported that cash performance remains very strong with balances of £2.5 million at year end.

Following an incredibly inspirational year Jill Murray stepped down from her role as CIH president at the AGM, making way for Elly Hoult to take up this prestigious mantle. Elly’s presidential campaign, CHOOSE HOUSING, will launch later this month.

Julie Haydon was officially appointed as CIH’s vice president and approved as a co-optee to the governing board along with James Ballantyne from CIH Futures and Nigel Finney from the Professional Standards Committee.

Three new governing board trustees were also approved: Joseph Carr, Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher and Paul Smith.

Gavin Smart, CIH’s chief executive, paid tribute to the organisation’s trustees saying: ”I extend our heartfelt thanks to Geraldine for her tremendous dedication to CIH, steering the organisation on to a path of financial viability, prosperity and growth over the last six years as chair.

“We are delighted to see John as the new chair designate of our governing board. He brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the role as well as extensive relevant experience. I look forward to working with John, and the rest of the governing body, to ensure CIH continues to be a successful, accountable, strategic, modern, inclusive and dynamic organisation that is both prepared to face future challenges and fit for purpose.”