Deirdre LaBassiere has been appointed Chair of Tuntum Housing Association.
The prominent housing and community leader joins the Nottingham-based association with more than twenty years of experience in helping organisations create positive change through strong governance, ethical leadership and social purpose. She currently serves as Interim Director of Governance at Sustain UK Ltd and is formerly a Board member of Nehemiah United Churches Housing Association. Alongside these roles, Ms LaBassiere chairs the Legacy Centre of Excellence – one of the UK’s leading Black-led cultural and community organisations – and has previously chaired Women Acting in Today’s Society (WAITS), Common Purpose West Midlands and The Lunar Society.
Tuntum was set up in 1988 by activists from the Nottingham Black community with the aim of providing good quality housing and jobs for people of BME heritage in Nottingham. It currently manages over 1,600 homes for more than 3,000 people in 12 local authority areas. It also provides accommodation and specialist housing services for older people, refugees, young mothers, people suffering from mental health difficulties and homeless young people.
Deirdre LaBassiere said: “I am delighted to become Tuntum’s Chair and look forward to working with the senior management team, Board colleagues and residents.
“Housing has always been more than a profession for me. I believe that safe, affordable housing provides the foundation for dignity, opportunity, wellbeing and stronger communities.
“This belief has guided my work – from helping housing associations navigate regulatory challenges and organisational change, to championing community-led housing for Black and global majority women, and shaping plans for affordable homes and neighbourhood renewal in Birmingham’s Newtown community.
“I look forward to bringing these values and experiences to my work at Tuntum.”
Charmaine Simei, Tuntum Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled to announce Deirdre as our new Chair.
“Her impressive career has incorporated the housing, health, charity, business and civic sectors, where she has worked alongside Boards, chief executives, tenants, communities and regulators to strengthen organisations, improve services and build trust.
“As Tuntum prepares to the enter the final 12 months of our three-year Building Brighter Futures strategy and we turn our minds to the next chapter, Deirdre’s knowledge and visionary approach will be invaluable.”
