Meet the Board: we caught up with Kyle Smith

We found out what drew Kyle to Citizen, what being on the Board really involves and why representation matters.

When did you first join the Citizen Board?

I joined in November 2024. I’d been looking for an opportunity at Board level to build on my operational experience in communications.

I’d seen the Citizen vans around for years, so I already knew the brand and the work happening across the Midlands. When I saw the opportunity, I thought – why not? I’m in my mid-thirties and you don’t always see people that age on boards.

But I’ve worked across housing, education and the private sector, and I realised I did have something to offer.

What drew you to Citizen?

Our strapline ‘Home is our foundation for life’ really resonated with me.

If you don’t feel safe and secure at home, it’s hard to achieve other things in life. So being part of an organisation that genuinely believes housing underpins everything else really mattered to me.

What does being on the Board involve?

The executive team run Citizen day-to-day. The Board’s role is to step back and make sure we’re heading in the right direction. We’re there as a critical friend. We support and we challenge.

We look at strategy, long-term finances and performance, and we ask whether decisions are backed up by evidence. A lot of what we look at is long term. The executive team might focus on the next couple of years.

As a Board, we’re sometimes looking 30 years ahead – thinking about how we maintain our homes and make sure we’re financially strong enough to keep investing in customers and communities. There’s a lot of preparation involved too. The papers can be detailed, so it’s important to come into meetings ready to ask the right questions.

What’s the most rewarding part of being on the Board?

Seeing decisions turn into reality. When we approve a development and then, a few years later, see customers moving into those homes, that’s powerful.

Regeneration work like Spon End is a good example of Citizen being ambitious and willing to tackle challenges early. And when it comes to customer safety, there’s no hesitation. If there’s a concern, the Board acts quickly. Safety always comes first. Social housing can carry stigma.

How do you see the Board’s role in challenging that?

Social housing supports a huge cross-section of people. There are still misconceptions out there, and we have a responsibility to tell the real stories and be proud of the communities we serve. Customers know the value they bring. We know the value they bring. That’s what matters.

Can you tell us a bit about you outside of work?

I’m very active. I teach group fitness classes, I’m a trained sports massage therapist and I love long-distance challenges. I completed the Three Peaks in 23 hours and regularly run half marathons and marathons. I’m also a big music fan and love going abroad to different festivals.

What’s your advice to someone thinking about joining a Board?

Give it a go. You’re probably closer to being ready than you think. Boards need different perspectives, and your experience, from any part of your life, can add real value. 

Watch Kyle’s full interview below to hear more about his role and what it means to him.

Thank you to all our board members who have been part of this series.