News

We are proud to announce that Professor Paddy Gray, safeagent Board Director, received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List. Paddy was awarded his OBE for services to Housing.

Professor Emeritus of Housing at the University of Ulster, Paddy is an eminent figure in the UK housing sector. He is an authority on housing strategy and social policy, nationally and internationally, having served on advisory groups for the Northern Ireland Executive, UK Government and Northern Ireland Assembly. In 2017, he was named the top “Power Player” in the UK housing sector by 24 Housing magazine.

He has had more than 300 research papers on housing-related issues published and regularly contributes to international conferences and seminars. As well as chairing housing associations and sitting on boards across the UK and Ireland, Paddy has been an external examiner for housing degrees at several universities, including the University of Hong Kong. In 2010, he became the first Irish President of the UK Chartered Institute of Housing, having previously served as Vice President and Treasurer.

Isobel Thomson, safeagent CEO, says: “We’re delighted that Paddy has been honoured in this way. He is well known for his work in the property sector, not only in Northern Ireland but throughout the UK. We are very proud to have him as a Director on the safeagent Board, where he brings his extensive knowledge and skills.”