Women in Social Housing (WISH) has appointed Nicola Brown as Chair of the WISH Community Interest Company (CIC) Board, with Tanya Srikandan taking on the role of Vice Chair.
Nicola steps into the role following the departure of outgoing Chair Tracey McEachran, bringing with her extensive housing sector experience, a longstanding commitment to WISH and a deep understanding of the organisation and its network.
Currently Head of Account Management at Voicescape, Nicola works closely with housing providers across the UK and has extensive experience of customer engagement and relationship management across the sector.
She has been a member of the WISH CIC Board since 2020 and previously served as Chair of WISH North West, bringing passionate advocacy for WISH and its work to support women to connect and thrive throughout the UK housing sector.
Her appointment marks a significant new chapter for WISH, building on the strong foundations established under Tracey’s leadership while looking ahead to the organisation’s continued growth, reach and impact.
Nicola said:
“WISH has been an important part of my own journey for many years, so taking on the role of Chair is both an enormous privilege and something I’m incredibly excited about.
“Across our 11 regions, women give their time, share their experiences and create opportunities for others to make connections that can genuinely change careers. I’ve seen first-hand the confidence and opportunities that can grow from being part of that community.”
Gary Haynes, Managing Director at Voicescape, said:“We’re incredibly proud to see Nicola appointed Chair of WISH. Her commitment to the housing sector and to helping women connect, develop and succeed reflects the qualities she brings to Voicescape every day. WISH plays an important role in strengthening the sector, and we’re delighted to support Nicola as she takes on the role.”
Joining Nicola in the new leadership team is Tanya Srikandan, Assistant Director of Finance & Procurement at Housing Solutions, who has been appointed Vice Chair of the WISH CIC Board.
Tanya joined the CIC Board in 2025 and brings more than 20 years of experience in the housing sector. She will work closely with Nicola and fellow Board members as WISH continues to develop its national community and support women working across the breadth of housing.
Tanya said:
“I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Vice Chair and to have the opportunity to work alongside Nicola at such an exciting point in WISH’s journey. There is so much knowledge, experience and generosity across our national and regional communities, and I want us to make the very most of that; connecting people, sharing what we know and creating opportunities for women across the sector.
“I’m looking forward to supporting Nicola and the wider Board as we build on what has already been achieved and ensure WISH continues to be an inclusive, relevant and ambitious community for women in housing.”
The appointments follow the departure of Tracey McEachran, who steps down after five years as WISH CIC Chair and more than a decade of involvement with the organisation.
During her tenure, Tracey helped steer WISH through a significant period of development, strengthening its governance and supporting the continued growth of its regional network. Nicola and Tanya will now lead the CIC Board as WISH builds on those foundations and looks towards its next chapter.
On continuing the legacy, Nicola said:
“Tracey has made an incredible contribution to WISH and leaves us with strong foundations to build upon. My ambition as Chair is to honour that legacy while continuing to move WISH forward – reaching more women, strengthening the connections across our network and ensuring that WISH continues to be a place where women at every stage of their careers can find support, encouragement and opportunity.”
Tracey responded:
“I’m absolutely delighted to see Nicola step into the role of Chair, with Tanya alongside her as Vice Chair. Having worked with them both on the CIC Board, I know just how much passion, experience and energy they bring to WISH.
“Nicola has been part of the WISH family for many years and brings a deep understanding of both the organisation and the wider housing landscape. I know she and Tanya will make a brilliant team, and I couldn’t be happier to be handing over to two people who care so deeply about WISH and the women we’re here to support.
“I’m incredibly excited to see where they take WISH next – and I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.”
WISH brings together women working across every discipline and at every level of the UK housing sector, providing opportunities to network, share knowledge, develop professionally and support one another. Through its regional networks and national community, WISH champions women in housing and works to help create a more diverse, inclusive and equitable sector.