Australian-born Justin joined CIH in October 2013 and for the last five years has been CIH policy manager, based at its office in Belfast.

CIH chief executive Terrie Alafat CBE said: “I’m delighted to confirm Justin’s appointment. He’s done a great job influencing policy, growing our presence in Northern Ireland and promoting professionalism across the sector. I’m sure he’ll continue to be an excellent ambassador for CIH and an outstanding voice for housing.”

CIH Northern Ireland board chair Eileen Patterson said: “This is great news. All the board and CIH members value Justin’s commitment, enthusiasm and intelligence, and he’ll be a worthy successor to Paddy Gray, who’s done sterling work as interim director. We’re all looking forward to working with Justin is his new role.”

Justin added: “I’m delighted to have been appointed CIH’s national director for Northern Ireland. We have a huge opportunity to continue growing in the region, and I’m looking forward to building on my policy and member engagement work to make that happen.

“Professionals who work in social housing continue to tell me that their working environment has never been tougher. Next year they will work under the weight of the bedroom tax, which will make it harder for tenants to stay in their homes.

“It’s vital that CIH is there to help them in their jobs, given the important role that they play in building sustainable communities across Northern Ireland.”

Justin is a CIH certified practitioner and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) from RMIT University in Melbourne, having undertaken research on acoustics in the built environment. Outside of work Justin is an avid Leicester City fan and maintains a keen interest in genealogy.