NWH Chair scoops lifetime achievement award

Tom Murtha, Chair of North Wales Housing won the lifetime achievement award at 24 Housing’s recent Diversity Awards.

The prestigious ceremony was held at Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham on the 10th of May – Tom attended with NWH Chief Executive, Helena Kirk. Presenting the award, the judging panel said that Tom’s list of achievements was as ‘long as your arm’ and that he was a real role model.

On receiving the award, Tom said:

“I am delighted and humbled to have won; it was a real honour just to reach the short list. From my work in the sector over many years I know there would have been several worthy winners in this category. It was great to celebrate the achievements of colleagues across housing in an area which is very close to my heart”

Chief Executive of North Wales Housing, Helena Kirk added:

“This is a great achievement and we would like to congratulate Tom on winning this award. I know how important this work is to him, so it is very fitting that he is recognised in this way. We are also very proud that he was representing North Wales Housing at this important event, and we look forward to working with him so that he can continue his good work on reducing inequalities in housing.”

Tom has spent his whole career – from his student days through to his retirement, working for the rights and equality for minority groups within the housing sector.

His achievements are numerous from his role on the National Housing Federation Race and Housing Group to his membership of the CRE/HC Race and Housing Commission. Before joining NWH he was chief executive at one of the UK’s leading social housing providers.

Tom continues to campaign on the housing sector’s lack of progress on race – and is currently seeking to establish a new approach to race and diversity in Wales.