Brian Freeman, one of the pioneers of the housing association movement, has died at the age of 79.

Freeman was one of six chief executives recruited by the Housing Corporation in the 1970s to run small urban associations.

A qualified accountant without housing experience, Freeman served an apprenticeship at Paddington Churches Housing Association and in 1975 became the first chief executive of Coventry Churches Housing Association, now Touchstone. He introduced ideas that have become common in the sector, such as a focus on customer service and organisational development.

In the 1980s and 1990s he worked as a consultant, serving as vice-chairman and committee member at English Churches Housing Association and committee member at St Matthew Housing.

“The ethos of the housing association movement suited him perfectly,” said Stewart Fergusson, managing director of Touchstone.

Source

Housing Today