John Verge, MA MBA FCIH FRSA

John has over 30 years of experience working in the social housing sector. John became chief executive of Golden Lane Housing in 2018, having worked for the national learning disability and autism housing association since 2000.   John has a real passion and drive to change the housing lives of people, which began from his first position as homeless officer in Swansea. His extensive strategy and leadership skills which helped drive the growth of Golden Lane Housing by developing key partnerships, capital funding, and innovative housing solutions with commissioners, support providers, and families across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

John plays an influencing national role in the supported housing sector and is currently the Chair of the Learning Disability and Autism Housing Network, a coalition of housing associations from across the UK. John sits on the advisory board to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Housing Market and Housing Delivery. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing and the Royal Society of Arts, and a graduate of Warwick Business School.

John is a trustee of Climb Any Mountain, a charity transforming what is available for people with learning disabilities in South Africa. John is a keen sourdough baker and country walker with his family and cockapoo Winnie. He is a devoted sports fan following Wales Rugby team, Swansea City and Taunton Town football clubs, Somerset County Cricket Club, and the NFL San Francisco 49ers.