New Chair states commitment to more affordable homes

Our new Chair is looking forward to working more closely with residents and stakeholders to meet a growing demand for good quality rural housing.

Ruth Bagley, who joined the Board of WRHA in 2017, paid tribute to former Chair and founding member, Derrick Dyas, after stepping into her new role in the Association’s 30th anniversary year.

She says: “Under Derrick’s leadership WRHA now provides homes to almost 600 families, couples and individuals in 43 communities.

“However, there are new challenges to face and we cannot rest on our laurels. The demand for good quality housing for families and others unable to buy a home is increasing.  I want WRHA to continue to support local residents and their communities.”

Ruth brings to the role a wealth of experience as Chief Executive to two councils over a 16 year period, leading innovation in housing, development and regeneration, economic growth and inward investment, transport infrastructure and strategic planning.

Now working in a range of Board, partnership and project roles, Ruth remains passionate about securing the long-term social, economic and environmental transformation delivered by good quality, accessible and sustainable housing.

Ruth says she is particularly looking forward to working in partnership with WRHA’s residents and partner organisations.

“I wish us to work more closely with our residents who are a valued and valuable source of ideas, to ensure that we understand their needs, that we improve our services and respond in a customer-focused way,” she explains.

“By building on the national Together with Tenants code we will achieve a Warwickshire Way of engaging with our residents wherever they are in the county.

“We have developed excellent relationships with our many partner and funding bodies.  I want to deepen and grow our collaboration with public and private colleagues and work together in pursuit of our shared housing, social and economic objectives.

“We are confident in our future viability, but we also wish to grow and re-invest.  By providing new affordable housing we will ensure that local people can support their families, their communities and the rural economy.”