New Trustee brings extensive housing knowledge to Commonweal’s Board
Commonweal Housing has recruited experienced researcher Dr. Elanor Warwick to its Board of Trustees.
Dr. Warwick joins the Commonweal Board as the Head of Strategic, Policy Evidence and Research at Clarion Housing Group, England’s largest housing association. Warwick undertakes relevant housing research and policy guidance on a range of housing issues including welfare reform, affordability, leasehold reform, and the benefits of sustainably designed, well maintained and managed homes.
In her early career, she worked as an architect and urban designer before focusing on built environment research, particularly the design quality and the delivery of good quality, affordable housing. Previously, she worked as Head of Research at the Commission for Architecture and Built Environment (CABE), delivering research to shape the policy for a wide range of central Government departments and the Greater London Authority.
Dr. Warwick also has a background in academia, with a PhD in Geography from King’s College University, London. Her doctoral thesis examines the geographical concept of Defensible Space, which has been influential in designing out crime, and has been applied to housing estates in the UK, North America, Europe and beyond.
Dr. Elanor Warwick, Trustee Commonweal Housing said: “Much of my research to-date has explored the importance of home and place as the location where economic and social inequity plays out, and that having a secure home is the first critical step for individuals moving forward into better lives. I’m delighted to join Commonweal as I’ve long admired their activities, particularly the way that the lessons gathered from their work is shared to ensure that many more people can benefit from the projects supported.”
Dr. Warwick joins the Board of Trustees following the departure of former Trustees Sneha Patel, Jeremy Swain, Becky Rice and Sarah Jackson OBE. Rice and Jackson sat on the Board for five years, while Swain and Patel departed after joining Commonweal’s Board of Trustees in 2020. All left the Board last year after playing an integral role in broadening the charity’s strategic direction.
Earlier this week, Dr. Warwick attended her first Board meeting. The charity’s new Trustee joins a seven-member Board with expertise spanning policy, social housing, academia, finance, and development and regeneration.
Working alongside Commonweal staff, Trustees help to shape and guide Commonweal’s strategic direction. Currently, the Board meets for quarterly strategic and governance meetings and an annual strategic away day session.
Ashley Horsey, Chief Executive at Commonweal Housing, said: “I am pleased to welcome Elanor to the Board. Trustees play a vital role in strengthening Commonweal’s knowledge and expertise as a charity. I look forward to Elanor’s valuable insights and support to ensure Commonweal continues to grow and develop in our mission to test and champion new housing solutions to combat social injustice.”