The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is expanding its support for housing professionals in the Republic of Ireland by appointing Tricia O’Keefe as professional development co-ordinator.

Tricia, who is based at the Housing Agency in Dublin, has an MA in Law and a background in academic administration. Her previous role was programme leader and education coordinator at Respond! College, which is part of Respond! Housing Association.

She said: “I’m really pleased to be joining CIH at such an exciting and challenging time for housing in Ireland. Secure and affordable housing is a basic human need and the foundation for thriving communities. The government is investing €3.8 billion in social housing over the next five years and we want to make sure that housing professionals across the country have all the support, advice and tools they need to help deliver this ambitious strategy on the ground.”

CIH’s work in Ireland is supported by the Housing Agency which has tasked the organisation with developing a network of expert housing professionals through CIH membership, education and training.

Housing Agency chief executive John O’Connor said: “It is important to have a professional institute for the housing sector. CIH has vast experience and knowledge built up over many years and is best placed to support the housing sector in Ireland at all levels.”

Nicola McCrudden, CIH director for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, added: “We want to increase the level of support we provide for housing professionals in Ireland and Tricia will be taking the lead as we develop our services.”

CIH works with the Irish Council for Social Housing to deliver a Certificate for the Housing Profession (equivalent to NFQ level 6) which is aimed at housing professionals who work at or aspire to management level. It has also delivered bespoke in-house training for a number of approved housing bodies and local authorities.

Nicola added: “If you work in housing and you’d like to know more about how we can help, we’d love to hear from you.”

@CIHhousing