Helen Randall, partner at international law firm Trowers & Hamlins has been appointed as the new chair of Stonewall Housing.
Stonewall Housing was established in 1983 and has helped thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to find safe and secure homes. It also supports and provides advice to individuals and providers within the housing sector.
Helen Randall, who also chairs the Equality and Diversity Committee at Trowers, takes on the role with Stonewall Housing as of the 15 August 2018, after Andrew Van Doorn’s six years as chair and nine years on the Board at Stonewall Housing.
Helen commented on her additional role in becoming the Stonewall Housing chair:
“It’s an honour to be chair of Stonewall Housing. I'd like to thank Andrew Van Doorn for being such a great chair for the last six years and handing over an organisation in good shape which punches above its weight. Thank you also to my partners at Trowers & Hamlins for supporting my application.
I’m really looking forward to working with Stonewall Housing staff who do a great job with limited resources, to deliver vital services to the LGBTIQ community who, even in today's society continue to experience homelessness and abuse in disproportionate numbers.
My priority is to work with the Stonewall Housing team to access more funding and raise the profile of the vital work that they do.”
Bob Green OBE, CEO of Stonewall Housing added:
“All of us at Stonewall Housing reflect gratefully on Andrew’s tenure as chair, He has guided our organisation through challenging times with intelligence and humour. As we look forward to celebrating our 35th birthday at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern on 13th September 2018, we are proud to welcome Helen as our new chair. Helen’s experience and expertise will be invaluable as we consider new opportunities that will ensure LGBT people access safe, affordable and secure housing and achieve our housing aspirations.”
Helen Randall is a senior equity partner at Trowers &Hamlins, specialising in public sector commercial law and has been married and civilly partnered for 30 years. She was former chair of the New Local Government Network and did pro bono work with Gay & Lesbian Legal Advice.