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Ian Chilvers
Programme Manager (Business Development & Growth)
Professional Background
Ian Chilvers is a dedicated housing professional with over 20 years of rich experience in various aspects of housing services. Throughout his career, he has built a robust skill set that encompasses leasehold management, housing management, customer engagement, and policy development. Ian has a proven track record of success, demonstrated by his tenure at one of London’s largest Housing Associations, where he managed research and policy for a portfolio encompassing over 22,000 properties and serving more than 45,000 customers. His commitment to improving the housing sector is evident in his strategic management roles and his intricate knowledge of the housing landscape in the UK.
Ian’s career has been characterized by collaboration and innovation. As an active participant in the vanguard of social housing research, he has joined forces with esteemed researchers from prestigious institutions such as the London School of Economics and De Montfort University. His ongoing contributions to academic and policy papers influence critical discussions and decisions both within the housing sector and beyond, showcasing his dedication to advancing not just his organization, but also the community at large.
Education and Achievements
Ian Chilvers holds a Master of Science in Housing, awarded with Merit from Anglia Ruskin University. This advanced education reflects his commitment to professional growth and expertise in the field of housing. Additionally, he earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Housing from the same institution, reinforcing his practical and theoretical understanding of housing issues.
His undergraduate education includes a Joint BA(Hons) in Government and Politics and Sociology from the University of Kent, providing a strong foundation in the social and political frameworks that underpin housing policy and management. Ian completed his A Levels in Psychology, English Literature, and Sociology at Chelmsford College of Further Education, further enhancing his critical thinking and analytical skills.
As a Corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, Ian stays connected with industry trends and standards, ensuring that he remains at the forefront of housing best practices. His qualifications also include being an APM-qualified project manager, allowing him to lead and manage housing projects effectively.
Career Journey
Ian’s diverse career path has afforded him a wealth of experience in the housing sector. As Programme Manager in Business Development and Growth at the London Borough of Hackney, he is currently at the helm of initiatives aimed at enhancing housing services and community engagement. His prior role as Special Projects Manager in Housing Transformation at the same borough involved driving forward significant changes in housing policy and practice.
Before his impactful roles at Hackney, Ian held several key positions that honed his skills further. At the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, he served as Strategy and Policy Manager, where his insights and strategic thinking shaped effective housing policies. His tenure at Swan Housing Group as Policy and Performance Manager also offered him an invaluable perspective on operational and governance matters within housing.
Further enriching his career, Ian has acted as a Policy and Governance Advisor at Wandle and a Policy, Governance, Strategy & Research Consultant at his own consulting firm. His earlier experiences include roles as an Associate Housing Researcher at RESEARCH FOR COMMUNITIES LTD and as a Strategic Insight Analyst at The Hyde Group, both of which contributed significantly to his robust analytical capabilities.
Beyond these achievements, Ian has also played an integral role in various governance structures, such as serving as a Non-Executive Independent Trustee at CHP Foundations and engaging in educational settings as a Guest Facilitator/Speaker on UK housing policy at the University of Essex International Academy. His dedication to community service is evidenced by his past role as a School Parent Governor at Essex County Council, underscoring his commitment to local governance.
Contributions and Specialties
Ian's expertise spans multiple specialties that are crucial in today’s housing environment. His deep understanding of leasehold legislation and management forms a cornerstone of his professional profile, enabling him to navigate the complexities of housing policies effectively. He is particularly skilled in customer engagement and resident involvement, recognizing the importance of community voices in shaping housing services. Ian's holistic approach encompasses general needs housing as well as supported housing, demonstrating his versatility in service delivery.
A notable strength of Ian’s professional repertoire is his ability to design and implement effective research methodologies and statistical analyses. This expertise is pivotal when responding to government policy proposals and provides him with a solid foundation for horizon scanning and analysis, ensuring that he is always ahead of sector trends. Ian’s strategic policy thinking is coupled with adept project management skills, enabling him to lead teams and projects towards successful outcomes. His successful career reflects a blend of practical experience, academic rigor, and a commitment to advancing the housing sector.
Achievements
- Over 20 years of experience in diverse housing roles.
- Managed research and policy for a major housing association in London, influencing over 45,000 customers.
- Collaborated with leading researchers from respected institutions, contributing to impactful papers in the housing policy sector.
- Holds an MSc in Housing and is a Corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.
- Successfully managed numerous high-profile projects within local government and housing organizations, demonstrating exemplary leadership and project management skills.
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