Following a competitive interview process, Rachel Sharpe has been appointed to the role of Executive Director for Housing, Neighbourhoods & Communities.
Rachel joined us in June 2020 during the pandemic as interim director.
She was previously working for Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council where, as interim Director of Housing Needs & Supply, she worked on Grenfell rehousing.
Rachel also worked in director roles for London Borough of Lambeth Council including Commissioning Director for Housing & Communities.
Chief Executive Geoff Raw said: "I’m delighted to announce Rachel’s permanent appointment to this role.
“Rachel stepped into the interim director position during an immensely challenging time, just a few months into the pandemic.
"Since then Rachel has demonstrated an excellent grasp of the complex challenges experienced by our communities, and leadership of the housing, neighbourhoods and communities directorate.
Councillor David Gibson, one of the joint chairs of the Housing Committee, said: “I’m really pleased that Rachel has been appointed permanent director.
“As the city’s communities continue to face a health crisis, housing crisis and climate and biodiversity emergency, Rachel and the whole directorate team will be key to supporting the council’s continued Covid-19 response and future recovery and renewal following the pandemic, as well as implementing our corporate plan priorities for housing, neighbourhoods and communities.
"She is the best person to oversee our ambitious targets for 800 much needed additional council homes and the development of an exciting warmer homes scheme for residents to help tackle the climate emergency.”
Councillor Siriol Hugh-Jones, the other joint chair of the Housing Committee, added: “I look forward to continuing to work with Rachel.
“There are huge challenges ahead, particularly in the areas of temporary and emergency accommodation and in retrofitting the council’s existing housing stock. Now that a permanent appointment has been made we can address these challenges.”
Rachel responded: “I’m thrilled to have been offered this permanent position and the opportunity to continue the important work of the directorate in delivering more and better housing and helping the council to achieve its vision of a fairer city with a sustainable future for our communities.
“It’s been a really positive experience returning to the city where I once lived and I want to thank all the staff in the directorate who have been working so hard to make a difference for Brighton & Hove during this difficult period.”