Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval for an Director appointment to the board of the Council’s two wholly owned housing companies, i4B Holdings Ltd (i4B) and First Wave Housing Ltd (FWH).

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted the comments by Andrew Hudson (as Chair of the i4B & FWH Ltd Boards) in support of the proposed appointed being recommended to the Board as a means of ensuring both Boards continued to benefit from the regeneration expertise and oversight required to guide them moving forward.

Having noted the comments and support expressed, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note that Sadie East had stood down as Director of i4B and FWH as of 31 January 2026 with Cabinet taking the opportunity to acknowledge and thank her for the contribution made to the operation of both Boards.

(2)    To approve the appointment of Jonathan Kay as a director of i4B and FWH for a period of three years effective from 16 March 2026.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 16 March 2026

Prior to considering the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Andrew Hudson (as Chair of the i4B & FWH Ltd Boards) to the meeting who was invited to comment on the proposals within the report.  In addressing Cabinet, Andrew Hudson highlighted the support expressed by both Boards in relation to the proposed appointed being recommended as a means of ensuring they continued to benefit from the necessary expertise and oversight required to guide them moving forward.

Having thanked Andrew Hudson for his comments, the Leader then invited Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Housing) to introduce the accompanying report from the Corporate Director Finance and Resources recommending the appointment of a new Director to the Board of the Council’s two wholly owned housing companies, i4B Holdings Ltd (i4B) and First Wave Housing Ltd (FWH).

In introducing the report, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson advised that approval was being sought to the appointment of Jonathan Kay (Brent Council’s Head of Regeneration) as a Director of both i4B Holdings Ltd and First Wave Housing Ltd for a period of three years, following Sadie East having stepped down from the role and left the Council at the end of January 2026.  Before outlining the basis of the proposed appointment, the opportunity was taken to place on record the Council’s sincere thanks to Sadie East for the important contribution made to the governance and development of both companies during her time as a Director and her role in helping to strengthen the oversight and direction of both organisations as a key element in Brent’s housing response.

Highlighting the central role i4B and First Wave Housing played in supporting the Councils approach towards tackling the ongoing housing crisis through the provision of good quality and secure homes and reduced reliance on expensive nightly accommodation, the importance in ensuring that the operation of both Boards remained subject to strong governance and leadership was outlined as a key priority.  It was in this respect Councillor Donnelly-Jackson advised she was pleased to be able to recommend the appointment of Jonathan Kay to fill the vacancy created following Sadie East’s departure as a means of ensuring that both boards continued to benefit from the expertise required as efforts were made to continue expanding and strengthening the contribution both companies made to supporting Brent residents.

Having noted the comments and support expressed for the appointment, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note that Sadie East had stood down as Director of i4B and FWH as of 31 January 2026 with Cabinet taking the opportunity to acknowledge and thank her for the contribution made to the operation of both Boards.

(2)    To approve the appointment of Jonathan Kay as a director of i4B and FWH for a period of three years effective from 16 March 2026.