South Lakes Housing has welcomed a new chair.
Charlie Norman has taken on the role of chair of the board and has taken over from former chair Ian Munro OBE.
Charlie stepped into the role in April after transitioning from her previous position as a board member and brings extensive sector leadership experience.
She is chief executive of Mosscare St Vincent’s and a board member of PlaceShapers, the national network of community-focused housing associations.
Charlie is widely recognised for her commitment to place-shaping, community impact and collaborative leadership, and her appointment marks a new chapter for South Lakes Housing.
Charlie celebrated her appointment by introducing South Lakes Housing’s new business strategy.
She said: “Our new Business Strategy is one to be proud of. We have talked with residents, colleagues and partners from across our 1,000 square miles, ensuring voices from every community have helped shape our new Strategy.
“I am excited to be the new chair of the board and to see the vision of SLH come to life. Our three strategic themes — Quality Homes, Quality Services and Quality People — sit at the heart of everything we do.
“This strategy truly reflects who we are and what we stand for, reinforcing that everyone belongs at SLH.”
Ian chaired South Lakes Housing for nine years, having joined the Board after many years as a highly successful chief executive, leading an innovative housing association in the North West.
During his time as Chair, Ian played a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening SLH.
Ian’s notable achievements during his tenure include:
- The delivery of 350 new homes, including the award-winning Passivhaus scheme at Halton in Lancaster
- Significant investment in existing homes, increasing EPC C ratings from 33 per cent to 89 per cent, helping residents live in warmer homes with lower energy bills
- Growing business turnover from £16m to £25m
- Improvements in customer satisfaction, empty homes performance, and rent collection
- Expansion of SLH’s geographical reach from 600 to 1,000 square miles
- Exceptional dedication and consistently high levels of attendance throughout his nine years as chair
John Mansergh, deputy chief executive at South Lakes Housing, paid tribute to Ian’s generosity and the positive impact he made in a moving farewell speech.
He said: “One of the best things I can say about Ian was before he even became a Board member. In 2015, 60 of our homes were flooded.
“Ian called us and offered several of his operatives – an offer we gladly accepted. It really stood out that Ian gave so selflessly when someone else in the sector needed a helping hand.
“Ian’s focus has always been the right one: customers and the organisation first, clarity second, and calm throughout.
“On behalf of everyone at South Lakes Housing, we would like to thank Ian for nine years of leadership, challenge, integrity and good humour, and for the legacy he leaves behind.
“We wish him every success for whatever comes next and hope he looks back on his time at SLH with pride, knowing he has genuinely made a difference.”
