Key headlines from the 2026 CIH Annual General Meeting

On Tuesday 6 October 2026, CIH members, governing board and the executive team came together for the organisation’s sixty second annual general meeting (AGM). The AGM provides an opportunity to update members on the various activities and accomplishments over the past 12 months and set out priorities for the year ahead.

Here is a summary of the key headlines from the hybrid event, in person at the University of Warwick and over Zoom for virtual attendees.

Continued financial improvement reported

The governing board was pleased to announce to the AGM that CIH’s financial progress continues with the organisation reporting a surplus in 2025-26 for the seventh successive year.

Revenue growth of 12% to over £11.2 million was reported, the highest level since 2014.

CIH’s balance sheet continues to strengthen with reserves now standing at £9.6 million and unrestricted reserves of £8.89 million, a near £14 million improvement on the reserves position at 31 December 2016 which was a deficit of £3.94 million. It was reported that cash performance remains very strong with balances of almost £6 million at year end. The AGM was told that the reserves and cash position are expected to show further strong growth following the sale of the majority of CIH’s investment in Housemark.

Evie Copland becomes CIH president, launching her Behind Every Home presidential campaign

Following a successful and inspiring year, Julie Haydon stepped down from her role as CIH president at the AGM, making way for Evie Copland to take up this prestigious mantle. Evie’s presidential campaign, Behind Every Home, launched at the AGM.

New trustees and co-optees appointed to the CIH governing board

Following confirmation at the AGM, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Julie Haydon as a trustee to our governing board.

Gavin Smith was officially appointed as CIH’s vice president and approved as a co-optee to the governing board along with Emma Gilbank from CIH Futures and Trish Harrington-Dicks from the Professional Standards Committee. 

Halisha Kaur and Joseph Carr retired from CIH’s governing board, with CIH’s governing board chair John Hanningan thanking them for their considerable input to CIH during both their terms on the board.

Commenting on the AGM John Hannigan, chair of the CIH governing board, said: “Our AGM is an important opportunity to reflect on the year and celebrate what we have achieved together as a professional community. Everything CIH accomplishes is made possible by the expertise, passion and commitment of our members, and I want to thank every member for their continued support and engagement. I would also like to thank our board members and CIH colleagues for their dedication throughout the year and extend a warm welcome to our newly appointed board members and presidential team.”

“Over the past year, CIH has continued to make strong progress against our corporate plan, delivering tangible benefits for members, the profession and the wider housing sector. We have invested further in the services, support and professional development opportunities available to our members, strengthened our influence on policy and practice across the UK, and continued to champion the vital role of housing professionals. At the same time, we have maintained our financial resilience, ending the year with another surplus and a strong balance sheet, providing a solid foundation for future investment and growth.”

“Along with my fellow board colleagues I'm looking forward to building on that progress in the coming year, with a particular focus on continuing to develop our member offer.”