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.

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Justin Cartwright is the Northern Ireland national director and leads our influencing and external affairs work for Northern Ireland, having joined CIH in 2013 as policy and public affairs manager. Justin is chair of Belfast City Centre Management Company Ltd and a trustee of Supporting Communities.

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Callum Chomczuk is the national director and leads the team for CIH Scotland, having taken on the post in September 2018. He initially joined the Institute in March 2018 as deputy director. He previously worked in consultancy as the head of public affairs for Pagoda PR after working in policy roles in the third sector and as a Scottish parliamentary researcher.

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Matt Dicks is the national director of CIH Cymru and leads the team in Wales. 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.

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Eve Blezard is a policy and practice officer who leads our work on asset management and building safety. She holds a PhD in the Built Environment from The University of Salford and has previously held roles at Housing Quality Network and Progress Housing Group.

Ashley Campbell is a policy and practice manager at CIH Scotland, her role involves ensuring members' views are reflected in responses to local and national consultations, developing briefings and practice materials to keep the sector up to date with the latest changes, and working to influence policy and legislation.

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 at Cardiff Met and is a chartered CIH member.

Sarah Davis is a senior policy and practice officer who leads in ageing, health, care, support, rural housing, tenant engagement, and housing strategy.

Susanne Flynn is a policy and practice officer at CIH Scotland. Her role involves supporting the development of consultation responses and practice materials, providing project and research support for the Scotland policy team, and keeping members up to date via briefings, press releases, and social media.

Megan Hinch is a policy and practice officer who leads our work on housing supply, planning and finance.

Sam Lister is a policy and practice officer and leads on policy issues surrounding welfare, housing law and the private rented sector. Sam is also a chartered CIH member.

Stephanie is a policy and practice officer who leads our work surrounding homelessness, domestic abuse and supported housing.

John Perry is a policy advisor for CIH and contributes to editing the UK Housing Review and advises on various subjects, including local authority finance, housing investment, and much more. He also manages the CIH housing rights website. 

Matthew Scott is a policy and practice officer who leads our work on the domestic transition to net zero in social housing and climate resilience. He holds a PhD from Newcastle University and has previously held several research and policy roles in the academic and third sectors.

Julie Steele is is an engagement and external affairs manager for CIH NI. Julie supports CIH NI members while building and maintaining relationships with influential individuals and organisations within the Northern Irish housing sector. She is also involved in supporting the development of consultation responses for the Northern Ireland policy team.

Niki Walton is the policy and external affairs administrator, supporting the work of teams across the UK. She is a chartered CIH member.