Aniekan Umoren
Chief Executive, Christian Action Housing

Aniekan has worked as a public servant for over 40 years, with a career in housing association and local government sector. She is a qualified barrister with extensive experience in strategic and operational housing services; asset investment and maintenance; development and regeneration; leisure and parks and customer services. Aniekan is driven to build and sustain strong relations with the community we serve and enable effective leadership across all services.

Cedric Boston
Chief Executive, Unity Homes and Enterprise

Cedric Boston has been CEO of Unity Homes and Enterprise, a Leeds-based Housing Association with a social purpose to reduce inequality, since December 2020. With over 40 years’ experience in housing—35 at senior executive level—he previously led Arhag, supporting migrants and refugees in London, and served as Director of Housing at Lambeth Living, one of the UK’s largest ALMOs. Cedric holds a degree in law and politics and is qualified as a barrister and member of Gray’s Inn.

Chris Fawcett
Chief Executive, Eden Housing Association

Chris Fawcett is the Chief Executive of Eden Housing Association, a rural housing provider operating across the Eden Valley and North Cumbria. He has held the role since November 2022 and brings over 17 years’ experience in senior executive and non-executive leadership roles within the social housing sector. Chris leads Eden with a strong focus on tenant safety, service quality and long-term sustainability, while championing the vital role that housing associations play in supporting rural communities. Under his leadership, the organisation continues to invest in existing homes, deliver new affordable housing, and strengthen tenant engagement. He is actively involved in sector leadership and partnership working, chairing the Cumbria Housing Partnership, and works closely with local authorities and community organisations to improve housing outcomes across the region. Chris is passionate about good governance, listening to tenants, and ensuring Eden is a well-run, values-led organisation that delivers safe, high-quality homes and services for current and future residents. Chris is also Vice-Chair of the Rural Housing Alliance.

Gavin Wallen
Tenant Chair, Phoenix Community Housing

Gavin joined the Board at Phoenix in 2023 after becoming an involved resident and studying with the Phoenix Academy. After gaining in-depth knowledge of the sector through our school of social housing, Gavin has found his passion for resident voice and engagement. As an advocate of Phoenix’s resident-led community gateway model, Gavin is keen to see similar approaches adopted across the sector.

Helena Evans
Chair, NHF National Smaller Housing Association Network

Sophie Hayward
Customer Director, Portus Supported Housing

Sophie is a housing professional with 13 years’ experience spanning both supported housing and general needs.

She holds CIH Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications, as well as a CMI Level 7 Award in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. Throughout her career, Sophie has specialised in delivering high-quality customer services, strengthening operational performance and ensuring customers receive the support they need to thrive. She is passionate about continuous improvement and building positive relationships with partners, colleagues and customers alike.

Outside of work, Sophie enjoys travelling, reading, eating out, attending gigs and exploring the great outdoors on walks with her partner and her dog, Jarvis.

Susan Faridi
Chief Executive, Eldon Housing

Susan Faridi has over 30 years’ experience across social care and supported housing, having worked throughout her career with specialist and smaller housing associations, charitable organisations and local authorities. Her work has consistently focused on organisations delivering targeted, community‑based housing and support services, where strong governance, adaptability and close engagement with residents are essential.

Susan brings extensive senior leadership experience across supported, sheltered and extra care housing, alongside a strong background in development, charity management and governance. She is currently Chief Executive of Eldon Housing Association and Chair of Hornsey Housing Trust.

Prior to this, Susan was Chief Executive of The Finchley Charities, a smaller registered provider and almshouse charity delivering sheltered housing and grant‑giving to community organisations and individuals experiencing hardship. Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Services at Stoll, a specialist military charity and housing association providing supported housing and services to veterans transitioning from the British Armed Forces. Susan has also held a number of non‑executive governance roles, including Group Board Member and Chair of the Care Board at Hill Homes, overseeing sheltered and extra care housing provision.

Tracey Downie
Chief Executive, Women’s Pioneer Housing

Tracey has worked in the social housing sector for over 30 years, primarily in London-based Housing Associations and with a significant commitment to housing services, resident engagement and challenging inequality. Over the last 15 years Tracey has held senior, executive and non-executive roles and is currently Chief Executive of Women’s Pioneer Housing. Chair of Ekaya Housing Association and Co-Chair of Women’s Housing Forum

Throughout her years in housing, Tracey has been an advocate for inclusivity and diversity. This has included championing the need for better services for single women seeking affordable, safe housing as well as supporting and mentoring BME and young housing professionals.