Safeagent appoints John Midgley as new board chair

Safeagent, the UK’s largest not-for-profit accreditation scheme for lettings and management agents, has appointed John Midgley as Chair of its board of directors.

Midgley (main picture) has a wealth of experience in the private rented sector (PRS) and has been a member of the Safeagent board since 2014.

OUTGOING CHAIR

He replaces outgoing Chair, Sheila Drew Smith, who has retired.

Midgley himself retired from Touchstone in 2017, a company he joined as a regional surveyor in 1996. Along with colleagues he went on to acquire the business, becoming managing director and growing the business from 19 to 300 staff.

Isobel Thomson, CEO, Safeagent

During his tenure Touchstone became the country’s largest PRS property manager acting for a wide range of corporate and individual investors in the PRS.

Isobel Thomson, Chief Executive of Safeagent, says: “We are delighted that John has agreed to become Chair.

“He takes over at a pivotal time for Safeagent and the PRS with the Renters (Reform) Bill and now short-term lets legislation potentially coming onto the statute books.”

COMMITTED

She adds: “He is committed to ensuring that all involved in the rental process – tenants, landlords and agents – work together for the benefit of all.”

Midgley says: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take the role of Chair at such an exciting time for Safeagent, letting agents and the PRS in general.

“I welcome the opportunity to lead the board in making sure that Safeagent continues to focus on promoting the provision of excellent and ethical services across our industry and providing innovative and practical services to support those who operate with care and professionalism on the front line.”