After seven years as Chief Executive, David Ireland is to leave the charity Empty Homes. His post has been advertised in the housing press but David has told us he will stay on until his successor can take over, so at this point his leaving date remains uncertain.
Under David's stewardship, Empty Homes grew increasingly successful at lobbying government to implement practical measures, such as the HCA and Tribal funding programmes and in particular the New Homes Bonus reward for bringing long-term empy homes back into use. His effectiveness was recognised in the OBE awarded to him in the 2013 Queens Birthday Honours.
He has also overseen the transition of the organisation from a largely campaigning body to a delivery vehicle, securing £3million of funding under the Community Grants Programme for the National Empty Homes Loan Fund.
David's association with the Empty Homes Agency (as it then was) began with a two-year stint on the Board of Trustees, followed by a year as a senior employee before being promoted to Chief Executive following the departure of Jonathan Ellis. His plans for the future are somewhat unclear but he's told us they involve completing a new book and that he expects to stay within the housing world.
Potential applicants have been asked to submit expressions of interest in the Chief Executive post - advertised at a salary of up to £55,000 in Inside Housing - by 31st January.