Housing association chief executive dies
The long-standing chief executive of a Greater Manchester housing association has died.
Tom Manion, chief executive of Irwell Valley, passed away following a sudden heart attack yesterday morning.
In a statement published this morning, the 7,000-home landlord said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden death early yesterday morning of Dr Tom Manion, our chief executive officer. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family.”
Mr Manion had been chief executive of Irwell Valley for 18 years. He has served as a trade union activist and was a political advisor on the 1988 Housing Act.
Mr Manion was well-known as an innovative thinker in the sector. He developed a ‘Gold Service’ scheme at Irwell Valley, under which tenants were incentivised to behave and pay their rent on time.
His book The Reward Society, published in 2012, looked at how to improve productivity and people’s lives by rewarding behaviour.
Housing figures this morning paid tribute to Mr Manion.
Greg Campbell, a partner at consultancy Campbell Tickell, said: “Tom was a tremendous character. He was thoroughly influential in developing best practice for social landlords as the pioneer of Gold Service and Diamond Service, and with his focus on new approaches to leadership. He will be greatly missed.”
Alistair McIntosh, chief executive of Housing Quality Network, said: “The sector has just lost one of the most entertaining speakers and writers we have ever had – he was an original thinker.”
Angela Garvin, deputy chief executive of Irwell Valley, will take over as acting chief executive in the short-term.
Mr Manion leaves his partner Helen and three daughters, Brigette, Colette and Anouska.
Read Inside Housing’s 2012 interview with Mr Manion here.
UPDATE: at 11.05am 29.03.16
This article has been updated.
