Soho Housing Association appoints new Chair of the Board to support next stage of development

Soho Housing Association, one of Central London’s key social housing providers, has appointed Andrew Billany as Chair of the Board.

Alongside Barbara Brownlee, CEO of Soho Housing, he will be an ambassador for the organisation as it embarks on its next phase of development, with plans to create at least thirty new homes in the next five years.

Andrew brings a wealth of experience to the position, having worked in the housing, local authority and voluntary sector in senior roles for over 20 years. Andrew is currently Corporate Director of Housing and Community Safety at Dorset Council and a trustee of Nacro, the Social Justice charity. Andrew has also worked in roles that include Managing Director at Homes for Haringey, in which he led the Executive Team in the management of housing services across the area, the Director of Housing at Newham Council and senior Housing Association roles such as the Director of Home Ownership at The Guinness Partnership, and Chief Executive of Hornsey Housing Trust.

Andrew joins at an important time for the organisation, as it concentrates on getting back to the basics, following the disruption caused by the pandemic, by reinvigorating its relationship with its residents through regular estate inspections and home visits, as well as expanding its investment programmes. Andrew will support the organisation on this path as it increases in-person interactions to forge a stronger community in the capital city.

Soho Housing also announced the start of its five-year development strategy earlier this year and have already successfully added eight affordable homes to the market on Greek Street, partnering with Soho Estates.

Speaking about his appointment, Barbara Brownlee, Chief Executive of Soho Housing Association, said: “I’m pleased that Andrew is on board. With such extensive experience in the housing sector, his knowledge is invaluable to us as we embark on an exciting phase of development and community building. Andrew is joining at a crucial time for us, with the cost of living continuing to rise, our role as an affordable housing provider in the city is more vital than ever before.”

Andrew Billany, Chair of the Board of Soho Housing, commented: “It’s great to be a part of an organisation that is supporting those who work in the capital city, to live here too. For decades, I have grown to know Soho, starting as a Housing Officer for Westminster Council in the 1980s and coming here regularly since that time to get my hair cut, see friends and enjoy the vibrancy of the area. Seeing first-hand how businesses and residents have operated and developed over those decades has demonstrated to me just how crucial Soho’s economy is for London. Helping London’s workers remain in the city, is key for the economy right now, as well as maintaining the diverse and lively community in London’s centre.”