Geraldine has been interim chair since April 2018 and her permanent appointment has now been ratified by CIH members, with more than 97% of respondents voting in favour.

Geraldine, who was CIH president in 2015/16, has worked in the housing sector for more than 35 years and is a chartered surveyor as well as being a fellow of CIH.

She was Bradford Council’s director of housing before taking on the top job at Incommunities following the transfer of 26,000 local authority homes in February 2003.

Geraldine is a co-founder of GEM, a professional development programme which has helped more than 250 graduates across the UK develop their careers, mainly in housing, over the past decade.

In 2017 she was awarded an OBE in recognition of her services to housing, young people and the local community.

CIH chief executive Terrie Alafat said: “It’s great that Geraldine has been confirmed as our permanent chair, and with such strong support. She’s already made a huge contribution to CIH as interim chair, and I look forward to continuing to work with her.

“Geraldine is a major player in UK housing, and we’re lucky to have her experience and insight at the head of our governing board.”

Geraldine said: “I am delighted to have been elected as the new chair and humbled by the support shown by CIH members. I look forward to taking up this important new role, having been a proud member of CIH for many years. These are challenging times for the sector but also exciting ones, and I look forward to being part of its continuing journey.”

CIH president Jim Strang added: “I’m absolutely delighted with the appointment of Geraldine Howley as chair of the CIH; she will continue to provide strong leadership for the future.”