Stage set for new NHF boss to come from outside housing sector

The trade body – which represents more than 1400 English housing associations – has decided on a shortlist and it is understood that it consists largely of candidates from outside the sector.

The announcement of the successful candidate for the £125,000 position will be made early next month. Coulter will step down on 30 June after 17 years in charge.

A source close to the process said: “There are really strong rumours from the NHF that no one on the list is from the sector. Candidates all come from other trade bodies and the wider not-for-profit sector.”

It is understood that Stuart Etherington, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, was approached for the job but turned it down. He was unavailable for comment as Housing Today went to press.

The process to date has been characterised by potential candidates ruling themselves out, rather than throwing their hats into the ring.

Former deputy chief executive James Tickell has ruled himself out, as have other strong candidates including Roy Irwin, chief inspector for housing at the Audit Commission; Keith Exford, chief executive of Affinity Homes Group; and June Barnes, chief executive of East Thames Group.

The interviews, which will take place next Wednesday morning, were originally intended to be in front of the NHF’s 15-strong board. But the idea was vetoed at a recent meeting in favour of a panel of three to four led by NHF chair Richard Clark.

Clark said: “We are aware of the rumour mill so as soon as we’ve made a decision it will be made public. We may make an announcement a fortnight after the interviews, but I can’t say anything beyond this.”