The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the Government's new £16.8 billion organisation being established in 2009 to deliver housing and regeneration projects, has announced its interest in developing a strategic partnership with the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

Sir Bob Kerslake, Chief Executive Designate of HCA, announced the potential link-up at CIH's Annual Conference and Exhibition in Harrogate today as a way of creating the HCA as a 'valued profession'. The HCA will have over 800 employees and will be created as a result of the Housing and Regeneration Bill currently being debated and passing through Parliament.


CIH introduced its strategic partnership initiative earlier year to give housing organisations access to a wide range of bespoke services and support, especially the long-term professional and personal development of staff.

CIH Chief Executive, Sarah Webb, said: "We're extremely delighted at the prospect of being able to support the creation and development of this immensely important new organisation for the housing sector. We share similar values and aspirations and our aim will be to offer its employees the support they need to fulfil their personal potential and in turn the potential of the HCA."

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