A HOUSING association has appointed a new director of finance.

Richard Morris has been promoted to the role at South Lakes Housing (SLH).

Mr Morris joins the executive team from within the organisation, where he has been the head of finance for the last three years providing financial support to teams and senior leaders across the organisation.

As a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, he has extensive experience in high-level finance roles in the housing, construction and education sectors. Having previously held senior finance roles for Your Housing Group, Trafford Housing Trust, One Manchester and before joining SLH a deputy principal role in further education.

In his new role as finance director, Mr Morris will be responsible for elevating the finance function at SLH through the use of technology, communication, processes and systems.

“I’m excited to be part of the leadership team at SLH which is an organisation that has a clear vision and strong social purpose,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to the future challenges ahead and working with the team to ensure the organisation maintains its financial strength to deliver its ambitions.”

Cath Purdy, chief executive of SLH said, “It’s great to welcome Richard to the executive team. He has a deep understanding of our organisation and has been instrumental in ensuring the long-term financial strength of the organisation over the last few years.

“With a new finance director in place, SLH is continuing to grow to ensure that we are best positioned to continue to achieve our ambitions in terms of growth, customer experience and providing quality affordable homes that are a platform for life.”

The organisation has invested £25m of additional funding to support improving existing homes and the future development of new homes.

SLH’s plans include the delivery of 500 new homes over five years whilst continuing to invest in existing homes to increase energy efficiency and keep residents safe.