YARLINGTON Housing Group have announced that Helen Cope will be joining as chair of the board in January 2015, when current Chair, Roger Powell steps down after five years in post.

Helen says she is passionate about housing and has worked in the sector since 1976 and has been involved in policy and strategy development for housing associations at local, regional and national levels.

In addition she was Chief Executive of the East Thames Group in East London for seven years, former chair of the National Housing Federation and more recently worked as a leading housing consultant. She is also a published author and has written extensively on housing and public policy.

Helen said: "I am delighted to have been selected as Roger’s successor and I am excited to become involved in housing association governance again with Yarlington.

"I look forward to employing the skills and experience I have gained over the years to help move Yarlington forward and achieve the company’s 20 Pledges for 2020."

Outgoing Chair Roger Powell added: "Helen is dedicated to community involvement and much of her work over the last 10 years has been about community empowerment, investment and assisting people to realise their potential through employment and skills opportunities; this fits with Yarlington’s vision of ‘Building Communities’ and providing more than a home for people."