Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), the housing association deemed responsible for the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak due to prolonged mould exposure, has appointed a new board chair.
Kevin Brady has been appointed as the new chair of RBH by elected tenants and employees on RBH’s Representative Body.
His appointment comes as the provider attempts to rebuild trust with tenants and other stakeholders following the conclusion of the investigation into Awaab’s death late last year.
Kevin, who lives in the borough, was appointed by the RBH Representative Body on 17 April and took up the role the following day.
RBH says Kevin brings to the role a broad range and depth of experience in both housing, and central and local government, and will play a “vital” role as it implements its recovery plan and attempts to rebuild trust with tenants and other stakeholders.
‘Huge challenges’
Commenting on his appointment, Kevin said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the new chair of the RBH board.
“Although there are some huge challenges ahead, I am looking forward to working with RBH employees and tenants to make sure that we deliver our recovery plan and make sure that we provide the high-quality homes and services that our tenants and communities expect and deserve.
“As a resident of Middleton, I know how important it is that the borough’s main social housing provider is strong and successful.”
Jonathan Wenn, RBH Employee Representative and chair of the Nominations Committee, said: “We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Kevin Brady as the new chair of the RBH board.
“Kevin is a long-term resident of the borough and brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his new role.
“The nominations committee were very impressed with Kevin throughout the process.
“We are glad he is joining RBH and look forward to working with him as we meet the challenges RBH faces.”
New leadership
Following the conclusion of the investigation into the death of Awaab Ishak in November, the Rochdale Boroughwide Housing board initially said it had “full confidence” in the leadership of then-CEO Gareth Swarbrick.
The provider switched its stance a week later, sacking Swarbrick and bringing in interim CEO Yvonne Arrowsmith.
Alison Tumulty served as chair for more than five years; her tenure coincided with the death of Awaab Ishak in 2020 and the subsequent investigation into his death, which concluded late last year.
She has now been replaced by Kevin Brady.
Image: Kevin Brady, chair, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing. Credit: Rochdale Boroughwide Housing
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