English Rural Appoints Monica Burns to Board

English Rural is delighted to announce that Monica Burns will join its Board, commencing Wednesday 20th November 2019.

Monica has a wealth of sector and rural housing experience and English Rural will benefit from Monica’s strengths in communications, policy and advocacy.

Commenting on the appointment, Monica said:

“I am delighted to join the Board of English Rural, an organisation I have known and admired for many years. English Rural build both high-quality affordable homes and sustainable communities and I am excited to be involved in their ambitious future plans.“

English Rural’s Chief Executive, Martin Collett, added:

“Monica’s knowledge and skills will be very valuable to English Rural’s Board. Her recruitment is the second addition this year as we continue to strengthen the range of skills and anticipate future succession needs. As a longstanding and high-profile advocate for affordable rural homes, Monica’s ambition to support a thriving countryside has a clear alignment with English Rural’s own purpose. Having worked alongside Monica, I have seen the impact of her enthusiasm and leadership first hand. The fact that she has volunteered her support to us is something of a coup, and I speak for everyone at English Rural by saying that we are very excited to have her join our excellent team.“

Monica has worked at the National Housing Federation for the last 14 years, initially as an External Affairs Manager and currently as a Head of Member Relations. Monica is the lead for Smaller Housing Associations and was the former lead for Rural Associations.

Prior to working at the National Housing Federation Monica worked as a Rural Housing Enabler, working with local communities, Local Authorities and the Government to ensure rural development to create sustainable communities. Monica was involved in the establishment of one of the first Community Development Trusts.

Monica has also worked in senior management roles for a number of local authorities including Lewisham, Lambeth, Kirklees and Edinburgh.