Housing association believe housing has appointed a new chair of its board.

The not-for-profit landlord, which manages more than 18,000 homes across County Durham and beyond, has appointed John Marshall as its new chair.

A board member since 2019, he takes over the post from Hazel Dale, who came to the end of her term in September after serving nine years as a board member and one as chair.

John’s background is as a solicitor, and he holds a broad range of high-profile roles across the northeast of England.

They include chairing the North East Chamber of Commerce, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI), Newcastle United Foundation, as well as being Vice Chair of the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and incoming Chair of Governors at St Chad’s College, Durham.

“I first joined believe housing’s board because the importance of housing was very obvious to me, from the other roles I hold and some of the work I’ve done in the charity and health sectors. It is at the root of so much.

“If somebody is able to have the right home for them, it gives them the opportunity to start a better life,” he said.

 “I feel honoured to be the chair of believe housing.

“While there are many challenges that face the sector, I’m really encouraged by what I think believe housing can achieve with the people it has, the culture is has developed, and its real customer focus.

“The future will include finding new ways to deliver our services to customers, continuing to develop a really high standard of new homes, and continuing to invest in existing homes particularly making them more energy efficient for our customers.

“believe housing is a really important business in County Durham’s economy.

“And I want customers to know that when we make decisions, we always have the impact on them and how they will feel in our minds.”

Chief Executive of believe housing, Alan Smith, said: “John brings a wealth of experience from various sectors and is very knowledgeable about our business, with a clear understanding of the housing crisis regionally and nationally.

“The role of chair is vital, helping to drive the direction of believe housing and the role we play in the business community and housing sector. “John is incredibly well-connected, he cares about customers and colleagues, and above all else he is a passionate and caring individual who makes a meaningful difference.”

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