Runners and riders

James Tickell, consultant, Campbell Tickell; Tony Stacey, chief executive, South Yorkshire Housing Association; Keith Exford, chief executive, Affinity Homes Group; Alistair McIntosh, director, Housing Quality Network; Simon Dow, chief executive, Guinness Trust; Donald Hoodless, chief executive, Circle 33; Barbara Thorndick, chief executive, West Kent Housing Association; June Barnes, chief executive, East Thames Group; Derek King, director, regulation and best value, the Housing Corporation.

Outside chance

The NHF could follow in the footsteps of the Housing Corporation and pick a new head from outside the housing sector. A popular suggestion has been to poach a leader from a different trade body that has been successful in getting government on side in difficult times. But some in housing have suggested that the NHF might have to take a fresh look at how much it pays its new head as would-be applicants from outside housing – and indeed some of the top earners in housing associations – might be put off by the salary.

On the inside

The NHF’s director of policy Danny Friedman, and director of membership and regions Arvinda Gohil have been tipped as strong candidates for the top job.

But neither wished to comment on whether they would apply. Friedman, a well respected researcher, was previously the head of resources, research and information at the NHF. Gohil has worked before for the Housing Corporation.