Colin McDonald
An accredited Community Led Homes adviser
Counties: Somerset & Dorset
Biography: Colin is the first port of call at the Dorset and Somerset Community Housing Hub (hosted by Middlemarch Community Led Housing CIC) for any new groups setting up a housing project. He has worked in the development of new housing for the past 20 years, and in the social housing sector generally for over 30 years, but he began his housing journey almost 40 years ago as a tenant of a Housing Co-operative!
Previously he has worked for two Local Housing Authorities in Somerset, and for two (quite different) Housing Associations. He has worked on the front line in homelessness and in housing management, and more strategically as Head of Housing and Welfare at South Somerset District Council. As a result, he has good all-round knowledge of all things housing (and most things planning!). After retiring from Local Government, he joined his local Community Land Trust.
Colin is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing, at one time serving on the national governing body, and is a founder member of a ‘specialist support’ Housing Association. He has a Master’s degree in housing and is an accredited community led homes advisor.