CHS Group, the Cambridgeshire charitable housing association and social enterprise, has appointed a new Chair of the Board. Heidi Allen, former Member of Parliament for South Cambridgeshire and Strategic Advocacy Advisor for the RSPCA, brings a range of experience and expertise to CHS Group, and will be a valuable asset in supporting the organisation’s mission to provide affordable housing and community support services across Cambridgeshire.  

As the new Chair, Heidi Allen will oversee the CHS Group Board and its responsibility to its residents and to meet the standards of the Regulator of Social Housing, while being transparent and accountable for the delivery of the organisation’s social housing objectives. Heidi is highly regarded in Cambridgeshire for her public policy work, notably her campaigning against the £20 Universal Credit cut this autumn.   

Heidi comments: “I am extremely proud to have been chosen as the next Chair of CHS Group’s Board. When I decided to stand down from being the MP for South Cambridgeshire, I knew it would be important for me to continue contributing to my local community. I believe passionately that those of us fortunate enough to be in a position to help, must do what we can to support people on lower incomes and the more vulnerable members of our society. The services that CHS Group delivers day in day out make the most incredible difference to so many lives and, working with Nigel Howlett, the Chief Executive, the rest of the Board and the team at CHS, I will do everything I can to support CHS Group with its ongoing efforts.”  

Heidi takes over from Nicola Scrivings, who has been Chair of CHS Group since 2013. Nicola has contributed greatly to CHS Group’s growth and vision over the past eight years.  

Nicola comments: “The time I have spent with CHS has been rewarding in so many ways. I have seen first-hand how an organisation and its people can share a value set that is important to them as individuals, and important to the organisation in how it works. This has been incredibly powerful and has meant that I have spent time with many dedicated and expert people who are totally committed to helping others. I would like to thank everyone throughout CHS for their kindness and support.” 

Nigel Howlett, Chief Executive, CHS Group, comments: “Nicola has made an exceptional contribution as Chair of the Board since 2013. On behalf of everyone at CHS, I would like to say a huge thank you, and good luck with all that is yet to come. We look forward to being guided by Heidi and her unique expertise through the next stages of our organisation’s journey.”