Providence Row Housing Association Board Announcement

John Giesen

After nine years of serving Providence Row Housing Association (PRHA) as a Board Member and then Chair John Giesen has reached the end of his governance term and stepped down from his Chair role this summer – (2025).

Hugely respected by his Board colleagues, PRHA staff and peers within the social housing sector, John has steered PRHA successfully through the economic and social challenges of recent years. Ensuring PRHA’s resilience to provide general and award winning supported housing for some of London’s most vulnerable homeless people. Under John’s Chairship, PRHA won Housing Heroes Support and Care Team of the year in 2021.

John said; “It has been a privilege to have been involved with PRHA during the past 9 years. The team has shown exceptional commitment to its residents and community through some of the most challenging of times I have witnessed. It is a testament to its staff, volunteers and Board that we have managed to navigate a way to continue to provide such first class services during this period. I am pleased to know that PRHA is in such capable hands going forward.”

John is passing the Chair baton to Helen New , Vice Chair of Providence Row Housing Association. A senior communications professional Helen has worked in the social housing sector for nearly two decades.

 

Helen New

Helen said; “John has made a phenomenal contribution to our organisation. Constantly joining the dots to foster connections and partnerships that will support residents and the sector more widely. PRHA’s compassionate work changes lives. It is a real honour to step into the Chair role and continue John’s strong work with fellow Board Members, colleagues, residents and partners.”