Updates to our Board – Amanda Harris appointed as Chair

This week we are pleased to announce that we have appointed Amanda Harris to the role of Board Chair.

Amanda has been Interim Chair of FCHO since April 2023, after outgoing Chair, Ged Lucas retired, following completion of his full term of office.

Prior to this, Amanda was our Senior Independent Director.

She has more than 20 years' experience in the public and housing sectors and brings to the Board significant knowledge of governance, corporate management, strategic planning and regulatory compliance.

Since joining our organisation in 2018, Amanda has been instrumental in several key successes including retaining our G1/V1 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), securing a £95m funding package for new homes and decarbonisation, navigating challenges related to the cost-of-living crisis and developing Our Big Plan 2022-2025, among others.

Our Board plays a crucial role in governing and setting the direction for the organisation and, as our new Chair, Amanda will lead us to continue our aim of delivering homes we are proud of and improving lives.

Anne McLoughlin, our Interim Chief Executive said:

“Amanda knows our organisation very well and, as such, provides us with continuity as well as experience and expertise which are huge assets in her important role as Chair. She has been influential in our growth and development in recent years, and I look forward to collaborating with her in what is an exciting time for our sector and FCHO’s next chapter.”

Commenting on her new appointment, Amanda Harris said:

“I am extremely proud of the great team we have here at FCHO and the commitment by colleagues and the Board to make a positive difference to our customers, so it is a privilege to take up the role as Chair of the Board.

“At the mid-point in delivering our Big Plan, which sets our strategic direction 2022-2025, the organisation is in a very strong position, and I will continue to work with the Board and senior team to build on this and challenge ourselves to achieve even bigger successes for our customers and the business.”