10 Oct 2025
Rooted in Resilience: Julie Haydon launches new CIH presidential campaign
After taking up the role of Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) president at CIH’s annual general meeting on 10 October, Julie Haydon has unveiled her presidential campaign, Rooted in Resilience.
Over the next year, Julie's campaign will highlight the importance of developing a resilient mindset and how doing so can help housing professionals to thrive in a sector that continues to face change and challenge.
The campaign will support housing professionals to shift from a survival mindset to one that thrives on learning and collaboration. It will offer practical tools and inspiration to embed growth into personal development, team culture and leadership practice — enabling professionals to better serve communities while supporting one another.
Launched on World Mental Health Day, the campaign will run throughout Julie's time in office.
To be ROOTED means:
- R – Resilience at the core of who we are: Because in housing, challenges aren't occasional, they're constant; resilience isn't just a trait, it's our foundation
- O – Openness to evolve as the world changes around us: Regulation shifts, legislation advances, expectations rise; we adapt — not reluctantly, but proactively
- O – Opportunities found in every challenge: Whether faced with crisis or complexity, we don’t just respond — we innovate, improve, and push forward
- T – Thrive — refusing to settle for survival mode: This campaign is not about simply getting by; it’s about growing stronger, even in uncertainty
- E – Education to build the skills, confidence, and competence to lead: True resilience comes from knowledge and the confidence to use it
- D – Development in ourselves so we can uplift others: Because when we grow, our teams, our organisations and our communities grow with us.
'Recognising and amplifying resilience’
Commenting on the launch of her campaign, Julie Haydon said: “Resilience is something we all draw on — as individuals, as organisations and as a sector. In housing, our resilience is tested daily, but it is also what gives us the drive and the strength to create solutions, support people and build communities where everyone can thrive. A short amount of our time can have a significant impact.
“My campaign is about recognising and amplifying that resilience — rooted in our values, our people and in the communities we serve. I’m excited to work with CIH members, partners and the wider housing family to share stories of resilience and to create opportunities for us to learn from one another.”
CIH chief executive Gavin Smart said: “Julie’s Rooted in Resilience campaign will support and encourage housing professionals to develop the resilience we need to respond to the complex, volatile and demanding world we work in. By bolstering our mental wellbeing and adopting a growth mindset we can all contribute to a thriving housing sector ready to maximise the life-changing impact of the work we do.
"I look forward to seeing CIH members and the wider sector engage with Julie's campaign over the next 12 months."
As part of her CIH presidency, Julie has chosen to raise money for Mind, a charity dedicated to ensuring no one goes through mental ill health alone. Their work helps millions of people get the support and information they need, when they need it.
Mind operates across England and Wales, while aligning with SAMH in Scotland and Inspire in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Commenting on her chosen charity, Julie said: “I chose Mind because resilience is not just about organisational strength, but about the wellbeing and mental health of the people who live and work in our communities, and those who dedicate their careers to housing.
“Supporting Mind resonates deeply with my campaign. It reminds us that true resilience comes from looking after ourselves and each other. I am honoured to be fundraising for a charity that provides vital support and helps to break down the stigma around mental health.”
Julie will be fundraising for the following mental health charities across the UK and Ireland:
