Lara Oyedele

President Elect, Chartered Institute of Housing

1 Tell us about your career and how you ended up in your current role?

I started my housing career, after a period of rough sleeping, as a housing assistant and, later, housing officer in local authorities. I studied housing at the LSE and went on to work for a housing association, a homelessness charity and then a private housing management company, before becoming CEO of a BME housing association. I was key to establishing BMENational and setting up the website ‘Housing Rights Information for Migrants and Housing Advisors’ in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Housing.

I currently sit on the board of Housing21 and chair homelessness charity, Hope Housing.

Application is how I ended up in my current role(s). I came across the advert for CIH Vice President and thought “I’m gonna give that a go” so I applied. And to my surprise, members voted for me!

2 Describe yourself in three words?

Adventurous, compassionate and energetic. Apparently, I’m ACE!

3 Favourite place on earth?

Wherever my CD collection lies. I’ve travelled a lot, and lived and studied in a number of countries.

4 What would you change about yourself?

I’d have perfect eyesight and no need for glasses nor contact lenses.

I’d be able to sing. I’m tone deaf and am called to sing only when the room needs to be cleared and the staff need to start putting away the furniture.

Ironically, I love music. I make up for my lack of musical ability by being an enthusiastically noisy DJ. I’m available for birthday parties, staff dos and all kinds of house parties.

5 Describe your home?

My home is a two-bed spacious, stylish, uber-trendy apartment in a converted Victorian copper mill in the centre of Bradford. I live in a neighbourhood called Little Germany which is said to have the highest concentration of listed buildings anywhere in the UK. Bradford is also the first UNESCO City of Film and will be the City of Culture in 2025.

6 What makes you angry?

Homelessness, poverty and cruelty. Humankind’s inhuman treatment of others.

7 Most treasured possession?

My home.

8 Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t put all that money into one expensive property. Spread it around.

Be kind and everything else will fall into place.

9 If you won £1m on the Lottery, what would you spend it on?

I’d spend the entire sum on purchasing more affordable homes to rent. I already have a small property portfolio. I’m landlady to nine families who are paying below market rent. I’m keen to be part of the solution to the current housing crisis and not just talk about affordable housing. I’m combining the social and ethical practices from the social housing sector with the flexibility of the buy-to-let sector.  My unique selling point is that my rents will always be below the local housing allowance. Nine is not enough. I want to help more families live their lives knowing their rent is low and the tenancy is secure.

10 Biggest achievement?

Becoming Vice President (and soon to be President) of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Recovering from depression after being sacked.

I consider my entire life a big achievement. I had a rather traumatic childhood and never imagined I would’ve been to the places I’ve been or have done the things I’ve done. I’m grateful to just be healthy and alive.

11 Biggest regret?

I’ve no regrets. I’ve experienced a number of unfortunate events that were beyond my control. What’s important is that I didn’t become paralysed by indecision or fear. I don’t live in the past. I get on with today and plan for tomorrow.

12 Most overused phrase?

Excellent! I want people to be excellent. I aspire to excellence. I admire excellence. And it has a lot more personality than ‘ok’.

13 Recommend a book?

The Anti-Racist Organization by Shereen Daniels.

14 The best piece of television in the last 12 months?

Eastenders, always and forever! I also really enjoyed the first series of BBC drama The Outlaws. I cannot believe they managed to get Christopher Walken to do a BBC Television drama.

15 Tell us a secret about yourself?

I can’t. It’s a secret!!!!!!