John Robson
John Robson
Independent Member and also the appointed Board Member of Longhurst Group on the Board of Spire Homes
Member Elected
March 2000. John previously served on the Board of Longhurst Homes for 15 years
Currently
Recently retired Chief Executive of a Housing Association
Fellow of Chartered Institute of Housing since 1988
Past Public Appointments
1966 -1971 RAF Photographer
1972 -1978 Newcastle City Council - Housing Assistant, Senior Housing Assistant and then Area Manager.
1978 -1982: Two Castles Housing Association. Housing/Development Manager. 1982 -1983: Spiral Housing Association - Director of Housing.
1983 1991: Metropolitan Housing Trust - Regional Housing Manager.
1991-1996: Howard Cottage HA - Deputy Chief Executive.
1996 -2009: Howard Cottage HA - Chief Executive
Elected Fellow of Chartered Institute of Housing 1988.
Committee Member of the Chiltern branch of the Chartered Institute of Housing. Past committee member of 2 LSVTs
John has an extensive history in housing and a strong working knowledge of the sector. Having worked in a number of Housing Associations, he can easily aid the work of the Board to ensure that the Longhurst Group remains viable and true to its mission. Additionally, he will be able to facilitate and assist Spire Homes as the Longhurst Group representative on their Board.
His move into the housing sector came after a 5 year career as an RAF photographer, when he took up a job as a rent collector. From there, he moved up the corporate ladder, gaining valuable experience and understanding of the wide-ranging work that goes on in social housing. When he joined the Longhurst Housing Association Board in 1985, he had experienced a number of roles including Housing and Development Manager and Regional Housing Manager and Director of Housing. With such wide ranging experience, he is able to make considerable contributions to guiding the Group’s direction. His extensive work within the sector also culminated in his being elected a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing in 1988., and becoming a Chief Executive in 1996.
John has always found working in the sector very rewarding, especially being able to develop schemes that are appreciated by those who live there. Although he has worked in housing through a number of turbulent periods, John feels that it is make-or-break time for the sector. In his opinion, many decisions have been made for political expediency, and John believes that long term policies and strategies should be the key to legislation, as this would of greater benefit to the sector and society.
As a Board Member, John enjoys being part of a well respected organisation. In his leisure time, he enjoys keeping up to date with the success (or not) of Newcastle United and hopes to travel to new places and experience different cultures.