19 September 2003
Housing associations are blazing a trail for the public sector by appointing increasing numbers of black and ethnic minority people as board members.
Nineteen per cent of the board members appointed by registered social landlords last year were from these groups, according to a survey by the Housing Corporation published on September 19.
Two years ago, a race and housing inquiry report called for black and ethnic minority people to play a larger role in the governance of RSLs.
The new study, carried out to establish benchmarks ahead of the expected introduction of payments for board members, found that 15% of all members are black or ethnic minority people.
Angela Ayton, head of governance at the corporation, said: 'It's a healthy rise. There is greater awareness of the need for boards to be diverse.'
The survey of 3,567 RSL board members found that 59% are aged 55 or above, while 70% are male. Ayton urged associations to try and attract more women.
Board members of black or ethnic minority associations are generally younger and more likely to have experience of working in the private sector, says the study Taking the lead.
Although the survey did not specifically ask for views on the payment of board members, nearly 300 expressed an opinion. Of these, 61% were opposed. The corporation announced in July that RSLs could introduce payments for all board members.
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