My RHA
Carl comes on Board
20th September 2018 | posted in News
Carl Makin is the newest board member at Railway Housing Association.
The 23-year-old has taken on the role at the same time as he is undertaking a PhD in social housing regulation at the University of York. This follows a law degree he achieved at Durham University.
Carl, who did an internship at Railway Housing Association whilst he was studying for his degree, says he is looking forward to serving on the Board.
He said: “I have always been interested in social housing and believe that it should be a central pillar of society because if we get that right, it can help improve other social and welfare issues, such as health, education and employment. I believe that everyone should have access to good quality, truly affordable housing
“The 1960s and 70s was the last time we effectively built in order to meet housing need, but housing associations, which are best placed to meet that need now, can no longer access the funding streams to enable them to do that on the scale required.
“Despite this, associations like Railway Housing are working hard to provide affordable housing for a range of people and their latest scheme, a 73-home development in Darlington, is a perfect example of this.
“I am therefore delighted and proud to become part of the Railway Housing Association Board and am looking forward to playing my part in its continued growth.”
As well as being the youngest Board member in Railway’s history, Carl, who in his spare time enjoys running, water sports and learning Mandarin, is also one of the youngest to serve on any housing association board in the UK, with the average age of board members nationally being 57.
Anne Rowlands, Chief Executive of Railway Housing Association, said: “Through his previous work for us, and the path he is following in his education, Carl has already accrued lots of housing experience, so he is a welcome addition to the Board.
“His knowledge of social housing regulation, along with his general enthusiasm for the sector, will help us as we enter our 100th year in 2019 and continue to deliver our strategy of delivering new, affordable homes, improving our existing homes and supporting our residents.”
Our other new board member is Paul Stephens.
Paul previously worked as Director of Housing and Community at Cestria Housing in Chester le Street and has served as a board member at Darlington Housing Association and North Star Housing Group.
He said: “It is an exciting time to join the Association with preparations for next year’s 100th anniversary underway and the big, new development of 73 houses in Haughton Road, Darlington being completed.
“As a board member I want to ensure we provide the best service to our tenants, help provide the best, new houses and enhance people’s job prospects.
“It’s all about working to make residents’ lives better.”
Paul, who lives in Trimdon Grange, near Darlington, was attracted to the role on the board because of his local connections, and because of the chance it gives him to make a real difference to people.
He said: “When you work with a smaller organisation you can see the impact that your decisions in the board room have on real people. In some larger places you can feel removed and it can take a long time for decisions to be implemented but here I can see the result of decisions on the ground relatively quickly and see the benefits people enjoy.
“The Association is also a very friendly place and everyone knows one another which gives it a lovely family feel.”
Outside work, Paul, 59, enjoys spending time with his family and is looking forward to the birth of his second grandchild in October. He is also a big Middlesbrough FC fan
Anne Rowlands, Chief Executive of Railway Housing Association, said: “Paul has considerable experience in the social housing sector so he is an excellent addition to the Railway Housing Association board."
