Top award for University of Ulster housing expert Professor Paddy Gray

Ulster University’s Emeritus Housing Professor Paddy Gray has been named the top ‘Power Player’ in the UK Housing Market by 24 Housing Magazine.

The award is the UK housing sector’s top accolade and a magazine spokesman said: “Paddy Gray was nominated from every corner of the UK and Ireland, with one nominator stating: “He is a truly dedicated professional and an asset to the sector in the UK, Ireland and worldwide. It is not often you can say that about a person, when we all have such busy hectic lives.”

“He has been an influential player in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, chairing housing associations and sitting on boards on both sides of the border. He has also been Chartered Institute of Housing president, bringing together groups from both sides of the border to share best practice and work closer together.”

Professor Gray became the only Irish President of the Chartered Institute of Housing from 2010 to 2011. The organisation sets professional standards in the housing sector in the UK and Ireland and abroad and provides an independent voice for the housing sector.

Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA), Deputy Chief Executive Jennie Donald, has also congratulated Paddy on his achievement.

She said: “NIFHA was delighted to see Paddy Gray recognised as number one in the top 50 power players in UK housing. His influence as an academic, commentator and board member has been extensive and he has a genuinely global impact, through his work with universities and housing organisations across the world. Paddy champions social housing and the voice of tenants in all that he does.

“Housing organisations across the UK and Ireland have benefited from the many former students taught by Paddy who are now in key positions as chief executive and directors and have gone on to make a real difference to tenants and communities. The housing sector has also benefitted from his commitment to the sector through numerous board roles over the years”, she added.

Professor Gray is chair of housing association Connswater Homes and its chief executive Jacqueline Locke said: “The staff and board at Connswater Homes feel very privileged to have such an influential and highly regarded chair as Professor Paddy Gray. We are absolutely delighted that he has received this recognition, he is supportive, engaging and above all totally committed to providing decent homes whether they are in the private rented or social sector.”

Professor Gray said he was “overwhelmed” to receive the award. “It is testament to the dedication of colleagues in improving well being across these island.

“Over the years I have met so many dedicated professionals working selflessly to improve people’s lives and I look forward to working with individuals and groups to help eradicate poor housing conditions and improve access to decent affordable housing for all”, he said.