‘He was one of a kind’: the sector remembers Steve Douglas

This illustrious list of roles and achievements – which few in the sector could come close to matching – leaves its own legacy in the many families who live in a warm, secure home as a result of Steve’s work.

They are also only a snapshot of a career that took in many other leadership roles and achievements – at Asra, One Housing Group, AmicusHorizon and more – and saw Steve awarded a very well-deserved CBE in 2019.

But a list of jobs and achievements alone are not enough.

Yesterday, we asked for submissions from those who knew Steve and the response has been overwhelming. The words ‘kind’, ‘compassionate’ and ‘intelligent’ are repeated throughout the dozens of comments we have received. This is a man who was dearly loved and will be greatly missed and long remembered by this sector.

For my part, I met Steve nine years ago as a junior reporter at Inside Housing and have spoken to him regularly in the years since.

Like many others in the sector, this meant I was lucky enough to get to know a person who was incredibly kind and generous with his time and insight. 

He was also fiercely intelligent, several steps ahead of the major trends in the sector and in possession of a rare wit and clarity in explaining them. When he spoke about housing, people listened.

He plainly could have made a successful career in any industry, but he chose housing because he believed in it. On the occasions he spoke about other things, you learned that he had two other religions: his family and Arsenal Football Club.

Steve was passionate about the sector he worked in. But he also believed it could be better. In particular, he knew that its record on diversity was simply not good enough. 

As one of the sector’s most successful Black leaders, he was a pioneer. But he also actively worked to ensure that his success opened a door for those who would come up behind him, through his involvement in projects such as Leadership 2025 and the personal support he gave to future Black and minority ethnic leaders. 

In this – as in so many other areas – he had much left to do, which only serves to make his untimely passing feel like an even greater loss. But in what he had already achieved, he leaves a lasting legacy.

This is what those who knew and loved him had to say.

Michelle Tucker, Steve’s partner: “Steve was a much-loved partner to me, dad to Aaron, Ethan, Freddie and Theo, stepdad to Ben, son of Pam, brother to Susan, uncle to Keighley and Kyle, great uncle to Raiyah and ‘Granpops’ to Alfie. 

“Words can’t express the devastation and loss we all feel at the sudden and untimely death of Steve. 

“Even if some of us felt that housing was his first love, with Arsenal a close second, we know that his family and friends meant everything to him and more. 

“We appreciate all the heartfelt and kind messages, but this is not unexpected – Steve was one of a kind. We adored him, we will miss him, but he will live through his boys and through the work he dedicated his life to in the housing world and beyond.”

Joanna Killian, chair, St Mungo’s: “We are all very saddened to learn of Steve’s untimely death and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. He had worked tirelessly in the housing and homelessness sector for many years and was deeply committed to St Mungo’s in the short time he had been working with us.”

Fiona Underwood, chief executive, Altair: “We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Steve. As well as being an ex-colleague and a friend, he was a force for good in the housing sector and his impact was felt by many. He will be sorely missed.”

Paul Hackett, chief executive, Optivo: “Steve served for nine years as vice-chair of AmicusHorizon and Optivo. He joined as we were emerging from regulatory supervision in 2009 and helped steer the organisation to become one of the best performers for customer service. He was a passionate advocate of resident governance and believed in focusing on the things that mattered most to residents.

“As well as being an exceptional non-executive director, bringing great insight, judgement and compassion to his role, he was also great fun to work with and highly respected and liked by officers, residents and board members.

“Steve is without doubt one of the most talented people I’ve ever worked with. His death is a great loss to the sector. He was a great mentor and friend and I’ll miss him hugely. Our thoughts are with his family.”

“Even if some of us felt that housing was his first love, with Arsenal a close second, we know that his family and friends meant everything to him and more”

Gavin Smart, chief executive, Chartered Institute of Housing: “Steve was a hugely influential figure in housing across the course of his career. 

“He was also a kind and supportive colleague as I know from personal experience – his kindness always tempered by a determination to help you to get the best out of yourself. I benefited from Steve’s advice as I know others did too. He was a passionate advocate for the housing and homelessness sectors and a determined champion for greater sector diversity. 

“To say that he will be hugely missed does no justice to his contribution. My thoughts are with Steve’s family, friends, and colleagues at this time, and I send my heartfelt condolences.”

Linda Kelly, customer partnerships and sponsorship manager, One Housing Group: “I knew Steve when I was a councillor in Hackney and the civic mayor. He was such a dedicated, hard-working and committed officer.

“He was there to make a difference and always had time to support councillors and ultimately their constituents, especially me, when I needed his help. I never forgot him.

“Then we met again in One Housing and there was no change, in fact his commitment had only grown stronger.  The CBE was well deserved.”

Rick Henderson, chief executive, Homeless Link: “Steve’s death is a tragic loss for his family, St Mungo’s and for the homelessness movement. I have worked closely Steve, in particular as a member of the Kerslake Commission, which he personally instigated and continued to lead.

“The commission brought people together across sectors to capture the lessons from the pandemic for homelessness, and to set out what that meant for the future. Its achievement was in large part due to Steve’s personal determination. 

“I have worked with Steve over the years – before he came to St Mungo’s – and he has long been a passionate advocate for the housing and homelessness sectors. His CBE was very well deserved.

“Steve’s death has come far too early. I know he would have gone on to achieve even greater things. Our thoughts are with all the staff at St Mungo’s, and of course with his family.”

“He was a bright star and a great colleague, friend and mentor. He will be deeply missed by very many” 

Fiona Fletcher-Smith, chief executive, L&Q: “I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Steve’s sudden death, and on behalf of everyone at L&Q send thoughts and prayers to his partner and his four children.

“Steve worked for L&Q earlier in his career, and we continued to draw on his unrivalled experience and expertise long after he had moved on to new challenges. When he was chief executive at Altair, he played a crucial role in helping us launch the Build London Partnership scheme, and driving it to be the success story it has become. 

“This is a terrible loss for everyone in housing, but Steve has left a towering legacy that will inspire us all today and in the future.”

Greg Campbell, partner, Campbell Tickell: “This is terribly sad. Steve was a great guy, who was influential and achieved a tremendous amount across his career, promoting the need for social housing, tackling homelessness, and promoting proactive approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion.

“He was a friend, and we used to go to jazz gigs together, even though we disagreed about football. He is a real loss.”

Paul Eastwood, chief executive, West Herts Homes: “In addition to Steve’s commitment to housing, what I hope he is at least equally remembered for is that he was just a nice guy. The sector has lost one of the good ones for sure.”

Stuart MacDonald, founder, SeeMedia and former editor, Inside Housing: “This is incredibly sad news and a huge loss to the housing sector. Steve was someone I regularly spoke with in my time as a journalist and when I was starting out in PR. He was always insightful and generous with his time – even if a decent chunk of that time was ribbing me about Arsenal beating Spurs.”

Peter Marsh, director, Peter Marsh Consulting: “I worked with Steve from 2005 at the Housing Corporation and in the last 18 months served as his deputy chief executive. Steve’s smile was broad, his warmth deep, and his commitment to housing unwavering. He was a bright star and a great colleague, friend and mentor. He will be deeply missed by very many.”

Brian Rooney, who worked with Steve early in his career and remained a family friend: “Steve was a dear friend and colleague for over 30 years. He was a family friend and a constant source of advice, generosity and good humour. Even though Steve was so successful in his career, he always had time for everyone and was accessible to all.

“Steve was a happy man, meeting Michelle almost 14 years ago. She has been a wonderful partner to him and mother to their son Theo. Family and friends were so important to Steve and Michelle, despite all the professional success.

“Steve, we will miss spending time with you, watching football together, but most of all we will miss your steadfast friendship, humility and that beaming, welcoming smile.”

Kate Davies, chief executive, Notting Hill Genesis: “I met and became good friends with Steve in about 1990 when we were both young, dynamic and ‘promising’ development officers. I managed to get him to come onto my development committee at Carr Gomm (now part of Home Group), and over the years I have learnt a great deal from him.

“He was just great fun; thoughtful, principled and absolutely committed to our sector. Steve achieved a huge amount in his tragically shortened life. Being Black, working class and a Londoner (and an Arsenal supporter) was very important to him. Although he was exceptional, he wanted to help others from similar backgrounds, and he was a vital role model for many of us.”

“He was just great fun; thoughtful, principled and absolutely committed to our sector. Steve achieved a huge amount in his tragically shortened life”

Mark Easton, BBC home affairs correspondent: “Steve leaves a gaping hole at the heart of the housing sector. His energy and compassion were powerful forces that helped shape priorities and make the world a better place.”

Paul Beardmore, former housing director, Manchester City Council: “I have had the pleasure of working with Steve over the years on a number of projects and commissions, most latterly in his role at Altair reviewing Manchester’s ALMO. 

“He was a lovely man with an astute instinct of what was right and wrong and a wonderful way of talking to people. So sad that he has been taken so suddenly and at a young age. My thoughts go to his family.”

Lesley Banfield, senior planning and enabling manager, Homes England South: “Steve was a fantastic colleague to work with; he provided passion and excellent leadership and was always very approachable and down to earth.

“At the Housing Corporation I was lucky enough to work with him directly and value greatly that time. He will be sorely missed by us in the affordable housing sector and no doubt further afield due to his natural charm and warmth and professionalism.”

Richard Hill, chief executive, One Housing Group: “We are saddened to hear of Steve Douglas CBE’s untimely death. Steve was an excellent past chair of One Housing during a major period of change. Always supportive, constructive and continually pushing us to improve and to serve our residents better. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Dilip Kavi, chief executive, PA Housing: “Steve was the chief executive of Asra Housing Association in 1999-2000. He had followed a number of high-profile chief executives, and stabilised the association to be recognised as one of the main BAME housing associations at that time. He continued to support Asra in his subsequent roles at other organisations.”

Chan Kateria, chief executive, emh: “Over the many years I knew Steve, his commitment and passion for housing shone through. I called upon him on numerous occasions to facilitate our Board Away Days, which he did so with great ease and intelligence.  As a fellow Black leader, he was a great role model to me and others who aspired for greater things. He will be deeply missed.”

Sandra Skeete, chief executive, Octavia: “I find it difficult to imagine a world without Steve Douglas, having known him for many years. I was privileged to have worked with him briefly at Asra as well as serving on the board of One Housing when he was chair. As a consultant, Steve also led several projects in organisations I have worked with over the years. The outputs were always first class. I learnt so much from Steve from every encounter. 

“Steve was an inspiration to me and many others, not surprising as he had carved a very successful career in a sector where few Black men rise to similar heights. 

“He was an expert in his field with an immense knowledge of all things housing. He was also a great leader – warm, engaging and inclusive. I am grateful for his support and encouragement to me throughout my career.

“In a recent Inside Housing article Steve mentioned that I tend not to speak unless I have something meaningful to say. 

“This is one of those occasions I feel compelled to say something. As a champion for excellence, working in partnership with residents, improving diversity and improving people’s lives, Steve leaves a strong legacy. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to Steve’s family for their loss.” 

Steve Walker, founder, Steve Walker Consulting: “Steve was always affable and unflappable, loved a laugh, great footballer, was incredibly proud of his kids and was thoroughly decent. A real loss.”

Alan Rogers, chief executive, Cobalt Housing: “Steve was a real leader and cared so much about what he did. His forward thinking and insight was crucial in Cobalt’s de-merger from a larger group and for that I will be forever grateful. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time.”

“Steve is a huge loss to the sector and our lives are poorer for his sad and untimely demise”

Teresa Pearce, former Labour MP for Erith and Thamesmead: “Steve Douglas was a man who understood that housing was about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about life chances. He changed the futures of so many people by putting decent housing first.”

Rasul and Sharifa Motala: “We worked with Steve at Asra Housing Association over 22 years ago. Steve was a kind, thoughtful, positive individual who challenged stereotypical views and it was a pleasure to have worked with him. Our deepest condolences to his partner, children and extended family.”

Donna Cezair, chief executive, First Choice Homes Oldham: “Over the years, Steve did some sterling work guiding and supporting various boards and leadership teams I was involved with. He was always so knowledgeable, committed and focused on helping us to achieve greater things. He is a huge loss to the sector and our lives are poorer for his sad and untimely demise. 

“I remember at one board away day, in a particularly Fawlty Towers-like moment, he returned to his room to find it six inches deep in water from a leak, and he just calmly moved himself and his belongings without any fuss or drama.”

Adil Rashid: “Steve was a visionary. He gave me the opportunity as an administrator, a job in development and said ‘you will be a CEO one day’. I have just been appointed as an MD. He saw the potential that I could not see.”

Piers Williamson, chief executive, The Housing Finance Corporation: “I am sure like everyone else who knew him, Steve’s passing comes as a massive shock. Steve was an intelligent, insightful leader. I was always keen to seek his views and he set an example for the rest of us to follow.”

Eloise Shepherd, strategic lead for housing and planning, London Councils: “Steve was a tremendous thinker and a lovely person to work with. His time at St Mungo’s was sadly cut short but he had already made his mark bringing together the Kerslake Commission, making full use of his political nous to bring everyone on the pitch. He’ll be much missed and our hearts absolutely go out to his family.”

Sasha Deepwell, chief executive, Irwell Valley Homes: “My personal tribute is from his time at the housing Corporation and at Altair, where I worked with him on a number of issues including sharing platforms and ideas with him on how to tackle equality issues. 

“Steve was a highly respected advocate for achieving real advances in tackling the inequalities evident in our housing sector. Working with him on these issues was both a pleasure and an inspiration – he leaves a massive gap and an enduring legacy.”

“I’ve known Steve since he started his career. It’s not an overstatement to say he was one of the true greats in social housing”

Karen Stephens, director of strategy and transformation, Stonewater: “He was always a visionary for the sector, but most of all he was a really lovely man. He was someone we all felt proud to follow.”

Julian Duxfield: “I was a personal friend of Steve’s, we studied at Oxford together and shared a house for two years. He was a deeply caring person, taking care to nurture our friendship over the decades and always ready return a call or meet up.

“He travelled up from London to Cheshire a few weeks ago for a few hours to attend my mother’s funeral and came to Oxford for an evening a few days ago to a dinner I organised. He was a great listener, modest about his achievements but also great company. He will be sorely missed.”

Jacqueline Adusei: “I am still in shock from learning of the sudden death of a great leader who I had the privilege to work with during my tenue working within BME housing sector; also during my training as one of the pioneers of the BMEL, Leadership 2025 Training Programme.