The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has announced the appointment of its first board members to oversee the governance and strategic direction of the Shared Ownership Code.

The Shared Ownership Code Board is made up of a wide range of individuals who each bring a wealth of experience and representation – spanning housing, consumer bodies, and finance – which NHQB hopes will help the code ensure transparency, fairness and improved support for shared owners.

NHQB chief executive Emma Toms, said: “From the outset, we knew an experienced board would be key to making the code deliver on its promise. With NHQB’s guidance, expertise and infrastructure, and the board’s representation, we’re confident that with widespread adoption of the code, it can help raise standards and improve the customer experience.”

The Shared Ownership Code board, is chaired by Ann Santry CBE (former chair of the Shared Ownership Council), with its other members including:

• Andrew Greenwood, Deputy Chief Executive of Leeds Building Society
• Anita Khan, Managing Director of Sparrow Shared Ownership
• Gavin Smart, Chief Executive of Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
• Gillian Cooper, Independent Member of NHQB Board, and Chair of the Consumer Advisory Committee, Citizens Advice
• Paula Higgins, Founder and CEO of HomeOwners Alliance (and former Shared Ownership Council Board member)
• Russell Baldwinson, Executive Director of Development & Investment at LiveWest
• Steve Moseley, Group Executive Director of Governance and Transformation at L&Q.

Ann Santry, Shared Ownership Code board chair, said: “The board brings a breadth of experience and representation – spanning providers, consumer bodies, lenders, and the wider sector – reflecting the collaborative nature in which the code was developed.

“Having worked with many through previous Shared Ownership Council activity, I know their commitment to shaping a fairer market and look forward to working with NHQB and the Board as we support providers to adopt the code.”

Gillian Cooper, chair of the Consumer Advisory Committee, Citizens Advice, said: “My career in consumer protection and advocacy has focussed on improving systems so people can access the help and support needed to resolve their problems.

“I am delighted to join the board of the Shared Ownership Code and look forward to playing my part in ensuring that shared owners receive the best possible support from their registered housing provider.”

Paula Higgins, Founder and CEO of HomeOwners Alliance, said: “I strongly believe shared owners deserve better support and higher standards. I have seen the impact a well-designed code can have on improving consumer outcomes – provided it is rigorous and not simply a marketing badge.

“That is why I was involved from the initial stages and why I am committed to helping deliver a code that makes a real difference. I encourage all housing associations to join and demonstrate their commitment to improving the experience of shared owners.”

The Shared Ownership Code is now available for shared ownership housing providers to adopt on a voluntary basis. For more information on the adopter process, providers can review the website or contact the team at [email protected]