NHF appoints four new board members

The National Housing Federation has appointed four new members to its board.

The new appointees, Louise Bassett, Kate Markey, Charmaine Simei and Selina White, bring a diverse range of skills and expertise from a wide range of sectors and industries as well as within the housing sector, further strengthening its strategic planning and governance.

Louise Bassett is Chief Executive of Gentoo Group and prior to this spent over 20 years in the pharmaceutical and consumer health sector. She is also a fellow of the Charted Institute of Personnel and Development.

Kate Markey, Chief Executive of Nationwide Foundation, will be joining the NHF as an independent board member. Kate has a background in journalism and has worked for national charities and award-winning social enterprises across homelessness, addiction and criminal justice.

The third appointee to the board, Charmaine Simei, is Chief Executive of Tuntum Housing Association. Charmaine has over 30 years of experience in the social housing sector, has previously been a mentor with the Housing Diversity Network and is currently an executive member of BME National.

Selina White, the final new addition to the NHF board, is Chief Executive of Magna Housing, and also serves on the board of Brighter Places. Selina has previously served as chair of the NHF’s South West Leadership Forum and is currently the co-chair of Homes for the South West, a partnership of the 12 largest housing associations in the region.

Victor da Cunha and Ruth Cooke have formally stood down from the board. The new additions bring the total number of NHF board members to eleven.

The new appointees join as the board continues to support the NHF on its 2025-30 business strategy whilst ensuring strong governance for NHF members.

Maggie Galliers CBE, Chair of the National Housing Federation, says: “I’m pleased to welcome Louise, Kate, Charmaine and Selina to the NHF board.

“Each brings valuable experience, fresh perspectives and an understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the social housing sector today. Their insight will help ensure the NHF continues to represent and support its members effectively as they deliver for communities across the country."

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, says: “We are delighted to be joined by four highly respected leaders from across the social housing sector. Together they bring extensive knowledge from different regions, organisations and communities, strengthening the breadth of expertise on our board.

"Their experience and perspectives will be invaluable in helping the NHF to support members and in championing the vital role housing associations play in addressing the country's housing crisis. I would also like to thank Victor da Cunha and Ruth Cooke for their contributions to the board, and the insight, leadership and commitment they have brought to it over recent years.”

Louise Bassett, Chief Executive of Gentoo Group, says: "I am honoured to have been appointed as a board member at the NHF at such an important time for the housing sector, and I'm delighted to represent Gentoo, Sunderland and the North East on a national stage.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the NHF’s work. I look forward to helping ensure the voices of housing associations, our customers and the communities we serve are heard and reflected in the decisions that will shape the future of our sector."

Charmaine Simei, Chief Executive of Tuntum Housing Assocation, says: “It is a privilege to be appointed to the NHF board. I have been in the sector for 30 years now and my belief in the role that housing plays in changing lives and building stronger communities has never dimmed, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute at a national level.”

“At a time of both challenge and opportunity for the sector, I look forward to working with fellow board members to champion residents and colleagues needs, support and promote the vital work of the sector, and help shape a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for social housing.”

Selina White, Chief Executive of Magna Housing, says: “I’m delighted to be joining the NHF board at such an important time for social housing. I’ve seen first-hand the important role the NHF plays in supporting our sector and the communities we serve. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience as a chief executive and sector leader to the board, contributing to its governance, strategic direction and long-term stewardship.

“It’s a privilege to take on this role and to work alongside fellow board members in supporting the NHF to be a strong, effective and well-governed organisation.”

Kate Markey, Chief Executive of Nationwide Foundation, says: "I'm honoured to join the NHF board. Throughout my career, I've seen the transformative impact that safe, secure and affordable homes can have on people's lives and communities.

“At a time when housing challenges continue to affect millions across the UK, collaboration across the sector has never been more important. I look forward to contributing to the NHF's work, working alongside fellow board members and helping to champion practical solutions that increase access to decent, affordable homes."

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Param Singh, Press Officer, National Housing Federation