BDO names new Head of Social Housing

Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has named Hamid Ghafoor as its new National Head of Social Housing.

The assurance and advisory partner, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the sector, takes over the role from Phil Cliftlands, who has recently been appointed as Regional Managing Partner at BDO in the South East.

In his new position, Hamid will be responsible for overseeing the national social housing team, monitoring and maintaining high service levels, while continuing to lead many of BDO’s largest social housing audited entities.

Since joining the firm in 2013, Hamid has built a strong reputation in the social housing sector and has led BDO’s Northern Social Housing team for the last decade. During his career he has held various roles in industry, including Chair of New Charter Housing Group and is currently the Chair of Audit at Aspire Group. Also, he previously worked as Financial Controller at G15 housing group, Riverside.

At BDO, Hamid has grown the Not for Profit (NFP) portfolio and acts as the lead adviser to over 30 clients in the public and private sectors. Hamid works with some of the largest housing providers across the North of England, as well as a number of higher education entities.

Commenting on his appointment, Hamid said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be taking over the role of National Head of Social Housing.

“My aim is to continue to build BDO’s social housing portfolio across our business and maintain the service and quality levels that are core to our offering. What’s more, I’m keen to drive sector insights and provide the guidance needed to ensure our clients and audited entities are successful, while building our internal social housing community to enable us to share experiences, knowledge and specialist advice.”

BDO works alongside more than 170 registered providers of social housing across the UK, providing services such as statutory external audit and financial accounting, business risk management, and corporate tax planning and compliance.

Jill Halford, partner and National Head of Not for Profit at BDO, said: “Hamid’s vast experience in the social housing sector makes him the perfect candidate to take over from Phil, who has done a wonderful job over the last 10 years.

“This marks an exciting new chapter for the firm, as we continue to help clients navigate a difficult and challenging economic climate, tackling issues such as financial viability and access to new finance – all significant pressures that mean it’s no longer ‘business as usual’ in social housing.”

ENDS

Note to editors

Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP provides integrated advice and solutions to help businesses navigate a changing world.

The organisations we work with are Britain’s economic engine –entrepreneurially-spirited, high-growth businesses that fuel the economy. 

We understand the ambitions and entrepreneurial mindset of those we work with and have the global reach, integrity and expertise to help people and businesses succeed. 

BDO LLP

BDO LLP operates in 17 offices across the UK, employing 7,500 people offering tax, audit and assurance, and a range of advisory services. BDO LLP is the UK member firm of the BDO international network.

BDO’s global network

The BDO global network provides business advisory services in 164 countries and territories, with 111,300 people working out of 1,803 offices worldwide. It has revenues of US$12.8bn.

Contacts

Emma Williams
Petal & Co
emma@petal.co