Following an extensive search and recruitment process Halton Housing Trust has appointed Ingrid Fife as its new Chair. 

She will join the Trust in September as an independent member of the Management Board. Ingrid lives locally with her family in Frodsham and in addition to work has a range of active sporting interests.

Ingrid was appointed by a recruitment panel comprising members of the Board and the Trust’s Independent Board Advisor from a high calibre of applicants.

A successful and intelligent business leader, Ingrid trained as a nurse and then developed her career in sales, marketing and general management.  She has worked for the large multi-national businesses Mőlnlycke Healthcare Ltd, SCA Ltd and Concateno plc and has been an Executive Director on the board of Altrix Healthcare Ltd - a small, fast growing diagnostics company in Warrington.

Ingrid will take over from the current Chair, Canon David Felix, who is set to stand down at the Annual General Meeting in September.  After more than three years at the helm of the largest provider of social housing in Runcorn and Widnes, David has decided to hand over the mantle as the Trust enters the era of its second Corporate Plan.

A founding member of the Board, Canon Felix was instrumental in the consultation Halton Borough Council carried out with its customers about their transfer plans and has overseen a staggering £67.5 million modernising homes and improving the housing services customers receive.

Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust, said: “We look forward to working with Ingrid during what is a very exciting and key next stage in the development of our services.  She will also help to ensure we maximise the substantial ongoing investment we are making to Halton’s homes and communities. 

“Ingrid’s business acumen and professional background will be a real asset for the Trust. She will help us as we continue to strive and secure value for money and customer focussed services for our customers through the establishment of a clear strategic direction and focus.”

Asked why she was keen to work with the Trust, Ingrid added: "As the Trust moves forward in its development I hope that my commercial experience will enable me to bring an additional perspective to the Board. Having worked for 20 years in a highly commercial environment I am particularly enthused by the Trusts’ stated purpose - operating as a business but with a social conscience."

The Board agrees the strategic direction of the social landlord and is made up of five customers, five council representatives and five independent members.