Dr Tom Manion, CEO Irwell Valley has received the prestigious John D. Lange International Award for his outstanding contribution to international understanding in housing and community development.

The award was presented to Dr Manion by the International Committee of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials at a ceremony at the San Diego Convention last night. Past recipients of the Award include the former President of the Institute for Housing of South Africa and the Chair of Canada’s Housing & Renewal Association. It’s the first time the Award has been presented to the Chief Executive of a UK Housing Association.

Dr Manion, who lives in Glossop, is a leading figure in housing, regeneration and social issues in the UK. He is widely recognised for revolutionising the social housing sector when he introduced Gold Service, – Irwell Valley’s residents’ incentive scheme –, which has been endorsed by the UK Government and replicated across Europe and the US. In 2002, he was named Public Servant of the Year for Housing by the Cabinet Office and the following year received the National Customer Service Lifetime Achievement Award. Described as charismatic and a pioneer, Dr Manion is also listed in the The Guardian’s Top 10 innovators in the UK and The Independent identifies him as one on the most influential strategists in the Public Sector.

In 2006, Inside Housing, the UK’s leading magazine in social housing also named him as one of the most influential voices and practitioners in the sector. Under his tenure as CEO, Irwell Valley has received over 30 awards for excellence from the public and private sector.

 

On receiving his award last night, Dr. Manion said

‘I accept this award on behalf of all my colleagues at Irwell Valley and I’m absolutely humbled to receive this prestigious award from such an august body as NAHRO’

 

November 8 2007