Yinka Bolaji was elected to Hightown's Board in September 2024. Yinka has an incredible history in construction and social housing and brings a wealth of experience to Hightown. We're thrilled to have him on board.
Tell us about yourself? What is your background?
My name is Olayinka (aka Yinka) Bolaji. I trained as a quantity surveyor and have worked in construction and social housing for 35 years. I am currently Executive Director of Property & Development at Wandle Housing Association, a medium sized housing association operating in South London. Prior to Wandle, I worked for a number of housing associations and have lived in Watford for the last 20 years. I have raised with my lovely wife, our family of four children who are now responsible adults following their respective careers.
What made you apply for the Board member role at Hightown?
I am keen to continue to offer my expertise to support the development and management of genuinely affordable social housing, particularly those that operate in an area that is local to where I live. I had previously served as board member to another social housing organisation in Hertfordshire for a required six-year period and was keen to continue similar roles because I understand the pressures and issues facing social housing providers. I was previously a social housing tenant and recognise the foundational benefits of providing secure accommodation for individuals and their families.
How are you finding it so far?
Hightown Housing Association is a dynamic organisation that actively contributes to alleviating homelessness within our areas of operations. I am proud to be part of an organisation that continues to administer and lead on the Homes for Cathy commitments to end homelessness in the UK. In light of recent riots in the summer, we should be proud that these commitments include ending migrant homelessness in the areas that we operate.
What experience do you bring to Hightown and the role?
I have led and managed development and asset management teams in other housing associations and bring a good understanding of social housing issues faced by our residents and stakeholder partners. This experience will ensure that the quality of our homes meets our customer and stakeholders' expectations, while ensuring value for money outcomes are achieved. I am black African with Nigerian heritage and hope I can bring a diverse and broader perspective to the issues and dialogue within Hightown.
What do you think are the main challenges for the housing sector at the moment?
Our sector has always risen the challenges that we face, Hightown and many other housing associations were formed after the Cathy Come Home film, a 1966 BBC film about homelessness. The sector has since grown to accommodating over 4.5 million households. However, it remains unacceptable that according to Crisis, over 300,000 people, including 140,000 children spent Christmas in 2023 without a home. We need to deliver more homes with government support and subsidy to reduce homelessness. We must also ensure that the homes we manage are affordable, safe and secure for our residents.
If you could change one thing about the sector, what would it be?
The UK housing market is imperfect and we can’t rely on developers and housing associations to fully eradicate homelessness. To deliver the government’s commitment of 1.5 million additional homes by 2030, local authorities and councils should be allowed to develop more social rented homes using right to buy receipts.
What do you think Hightown’s strengths are?
As an organisation that delivers homes within Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire across a range of needs, including people with care and support needs. I hope to continue as Board members to continue to build and grow these competence in the organisation.
