Plus Dane Housing has appointed Sir Peter Fahy as the new Chair of its Board.

Sir Peter retired as Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police in October 2015. His decorated 34-year career in policing included five years at the head of Cheshire Constabulary. He is currently the Chief Executive of Retrak, a Stockport-based charity for street children in Africa and will continue in that role.

Sir Peter was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in January 2004; was Knighted in June 2012 and was made honorary professor of criminal justice at The University of Manchester in 2015.

The appointment has been made as part of Plus Dane’s Board succession plans which will see the current Chair Linda Minnis step down at the AGM in September and the appointment of several new Board members this year.

Tom Murtha, Plus Dane Board Member who chaired the recruitment panel, said:

“We are delighted to announce Sir Peter Fahy as our new Chair. It is a very timely appointment having just begun the delivery of our new five year corporate plan. Sir Peter’s wide-reaching experience and excellent leadership skills will be a welcome addition to the Board as will his track record of innovation and transformation in a sector that is currently undergoing significant change.

“Sir Peter shares the Board’s vision of remaining an organisation with a social purpose having throughout his career demonstrated a personal commitment to social justice, deprived communities and the welfare and involvement of young people.

“He is an excellent appointment for Plus Dane and I am sure he will go on to make a major contribution to the social housing sector in the UK.”

Barbara Spicer, Chief Executive, added:

“I am really pleased that the Board has appointed Sir Peter. I have had the pleasure of working with him during my time as Chief Executive of Salford Council so we already have a strong professional working relationship. I am confident that he will both support and challenge the Executive and Board bringing out our intellectual capacity and supporting our aim to be as highly performing as possible.”

Commenting on his appointment Sir Peter Fahy said:

“This is a time of great challenge for the provision of social housing and trying to ensure that those of lesser means can get a decent roof over their heads.  I grew up in a council house in East London and know what a lift it gave to my parents. Benefit changes and public service spending cuts are causing great anxiety to those already struggling yet good housing is vital for health and well-being.

“I am proud to have been selected for this post because Plus Dane has such a strong social purpose. I am looking forward to working with the Board and staff of Plus Dane but most importantly with the tenants and prospective tenants and local agencies so that we can provide more homes and stronger local communities.”