Canon David Felix, the Chair of Halton Housing Trust, 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 its second corporate plan era.

A founding member of the Board, Canon Felix has steered the Trust through the early years, both before and after the transfer from Halton Borough Council. He has been instrumental in overseeing the transformation of the way housing services are delivered in Halton – from a local authority provider of housing to a Registered Social Landlord – and has led on the development of the Board and a new way of working for Trust staff.

Canon Felix has been in the role since the official transfer in December 2005. He was also chair of the Shadow Board. Since then, the Trust has invested a staggering £67.5 million modernising homes and improving the housing services customers receive. 

Currently serving the parish of All Saints Church, Daresbury, Canon Felix was also vicar of St Andrew on the Grange in Runcorn for 10 years. In his role as Canon of Chester Cathedral he is involved in the management of their property portfolio and its development.

Canon Felix said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to have been Chair during the early development of the Trust and an honour to serve the people of Halton.

“The Trust has great ambitions for the future and I leave at a time when it is in a very strong position. I would like to thank everyone I have worked with over the last five years and wish them continued success in the future.”

Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust, said: “David has been with the Trust from the start and he will be sorely missed. His leadership and guidance to the Board and staff has been invaluable. 

“He has helped lead the organisation through our first corporate plan – a period of rapid investment and growth and laid the foundations for our ongoing development and future success. We wish David the best of luck in the future and thank him for the time, dedication and unrivalled passion he has put into the role.”

The Trust is currently advertising for a new Chair and independent member of the Management Board. The Board agrees the strategic direction of the social landlord and is made up of five customers, five council representatives and five independent members.