Prestigious housing award for our Joan

Councillor Joan Baird OBE MSc FCIH has been presented with an award for Outstanding Contribution to Housing in Northern Ireland by the Chartered Institute of Housing to mark their centenary year.

The event was held at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast and five others were also acknowledged.

Cllr Baird from Ballycastle explained: “My award was for my influence in establishing the professional body in Northern Ireland back when Mow Molam was the Secretary for State, introducing Life Time Standards in Northern Ireland.

“I was the chairman of the Chartered Institute of Housing from 1995-1997 and head of Education on the Institute’s Committee from 1993-1995.

Councillor Joan Baird pictured receiving an Award for Outstanding contribution to Housing in Northern Ireland - presented by Chartered Institute - CIH.Councillor Joan Baird pictured receiving an Award for Outstanding contribution to Housing in Northern Ireland - presented by Chartered Institute - CIH.
Councillor Joan Baird pictured receiving an Award for Outstanding contribution to Housing in Northern Ireland - presented by Chartered Institute - CIH.

“ I sat on the CIH Council at national level from 1995-1997 and represented Northern Ireland at events across the UK and Hong Kong. In addition to my work in housing, I was on the academic staff at UU where I lectured in Housing Policy and Planning and was later an external examiner at University of Northumbria. My last housing position was as chairman of the board of Clanmil Housing Association until 2014 and I was awarded an OBE for services to housing and the community in 2015. I have had a fantastic career in housing, education and planning and would recommend it to any young person looking for varied, interesting and rewarding work.

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“I worked mainly in the west of the province through all of the “troubles” in Omagh, Londonderry, Dungannon and Coleraine; although challenging at times I was fortunate to have teams of committed selfless staff of whom I am extremely proud and who share the accolade of this award with me.”