2009 Award Finalists
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FINALIST: Voluntary and not for profit organisations. Nick Bennett, Chief Executive, Community Housing Cymru |
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| Community Housing Cymru (CHC) is the membership body for housing associations in Wales and has 16 members of staff. CHC lobbies and promotes on behalf of its members and provides information through publications, conferences, training and networks.
Whether he is making a speech or simply at an internal staff meeting, Nick engages, motivates, entertains and inspires people. He is fearless, passionate and dedicated, and his leadership has made CHC the success it is today. When Nick Bennett joined Community Housing Cymru, the Welsh Federation of Housing Associations as it was then known, had been without a chief executive for nine months, gone through a painful redundancy process and the organisation’s standing with its stakeholders was low. Nick has inspired and led the organisation to become one that has new offices, a new name, a highly motivated and committed staff team and a newfound respect and support within the housing association sector. Before he made any changes, Nick listened to key stakeholders and staff to ensure he had 100% support and took everyone with him. He had a clear sense of direction for the organisation and faith in his staff team that they would deliver. CHC has contributed to political policies on housing, campaigned for additional funding within housing and successfully called for a review into the regulation of housing associations. On top of his role at Community Housing Cymru, Nick is a member of the All Wales Convention Panel, the OFCOM Advisory Panel for Wales, and the Welsh Language Board. Despite having a full calendar of meetings, speeches and functions, he always has time to engage with staff and explain complex issues. |
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