A Peak Behind the Scenes

Well, here I am again. This time you find me letting the train take the strain as I head south to a meeting with Anthony Mayer, chairman of the Tenant Services Authority. CIH chief executive Sarah Webb is joining us and I fully expect to have an interesting and informed discussion. Anthony is a great character and is always well informed and focused on the current agenda.

As housing professionals it is important that our expertise and awareness fashions the country's housing agenda. The TSA exists to champion tenants and our role is to advise and turn good practice into reality. These discussions help to keep CIH at the heart of sector decision-making, and ensures that policy and practice are shaped to give the best deal for tenants. After all, this is who we work for.

As I watch the countryside flash by, it gives me time to update you on other parts of the presidential day. As soon as I finish my meeting I have to scoot back to Euston to get the train home in time to get changed and drive out to Telford in Shropshire to present the awards and do the closing speech at the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group's Awards Ceremony. This is one of a number of awards presentations that I've been honoured to attend since becoming President. In any profession it is easy for your job to become a 9-5 grind. In recent weeks seeing the dedication that so many people in our profession have for going the extra mile has been truly inspiring. One of the best things about being CIH President is the chance to meet some amazing people who genuinely believe that they are 'just ordinary'. For 'just ordinary' people they are doing some pretty extraordinary things! To be part of helping you tell your stories is quite a humbling experience and I'm so proud to represent you. Enough of that, I am in danger of becoming all emotional and missing my station.

So, my final destination for today's blog is the garden of a certain honourable gentleman's rented home. It is a another fine example of just how much work CIH does behind the scenes to make sure Government hears the views of our 22,000 members. And of course Government is always eager to share their message with you.
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In my next blog I'd like to pay tribute to this year's Presidential Appeal, Homeless International, but until then, I've got to make tracks…