Posted 13th Oct 2005

Progress Housing Group has appointed Eric Hughes to the new post of Head of Governance.

Eric joins Progress from his position as Head of Youth Service at Sefton Council. He brings to Progress a wealth of experience in developing integrated solutions to combat social exclusion and promote community cohesion.

Throughout his career, Eric has also established and directed a number of companies and charities, and worked on many community-focused initiatives including drugs education, adult learning, child-care and homelessness issues.

Eric's career began with St Anne's YMCA as a Youth Worker and Assistant General Secretary before a move to Preston YMCA as General Secretary. Prior to joining Sefton Council in 2001, Eric worked for the Youth and Community Service in Preston as Assistant District Team Manager.

In his newly created role at Progress Housing Group, Eric will have responsibility for the company secretary functions for the various companies within the group, and supporting the Board of Directors in directing and managing the group. In addition, he will manage the Group's Policy and Performance, Risk Management and Internal Audit teams to support the continuous improvement of services to our customers.

Says Eric: 'I am delighted to join Progress Housing Group having had an interest in housing for a number of years. The ability to meet people's most basic need of having a roof over their heads combined with responding to the more complex needs of individuals and communities is a great challenge.

'The Group has a strong reputation for innovation and excellence. By working with the Boards of Management to provide effective governance for the Group, I wish to see this reputation for excellence continue to grow as we develop even better services for the tenants and the communities we serve.'