Lord Best: A Career Dedicated to Housing and Public Service
Lord Best, formally known as Baron Best of Godmanstone, is a distinguished figure in British public life, renowned for his extensive contributions to housing policy and governance. With a career spanning several decades, he has transitioned from leading major housing trusts to serving as an independent crossbencher—a member of the House of Lords who does not belong to any political party—in the UK Parliament.
Key Facts
- Peerage: Created a life peer as Baron Best on June 4, 2001.
- Specialization: Expert in housing, urban development, and social welfare.
- Major Leadership: Former head of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust.
- Parliamentary Role: Independent crossbencher in the House of Lords.
- Education: Alumnus of Shrewsbury School and the University of Nottingham.
Early Life and Education
The son of Walter Best DL and Frances Chignell, Lord Best developed his academic foundation at Shrewsbury School before attending the University of Nottingham. His personal life includes two marriages; he married Ima Akpan in 1970 (divorced 1976) and Belinda Stemp in 1978. He is the father of two daughters and two sons, including television presenter Will Best.
Professional Leadership in Housing
Lord Best's professional trajectory is defined by a deep commitment to the housing sector. He began his leadership journey from 1970 to 1973 as the director of the British Churches Housing Trust. He subsequently led the National Federation of Housing Associations from 1973 until 1988.
From 1988 to December 2006, he held a pivotal role leading both the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust. Throughout his career, he has become a prolific writer on housing issues and has chaired various housing commissions across the UK, including those for Northern Ireland, Westminster, Birmingham, Brent, Glasgow, and Hull.
Parliamentary Career and Public Appointments
Since being created a life peer in 2001, Lord Best has been an active member of the House of Lords. He has held several high-level committee positions, including chairing the House of Lords Audit Committee (2005–2010) and the Select Committee on Communications (2014–2017). He currently serves on the Industry and Regulators Committee.
His parliamentary influence extends to various other committees, having previously served on the Built Environment, EU Home Affairs, and Economic Affairs Committees. Furthermore, he co-chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on Housing and Care for Older People.
Additional Executive and Advisory Roles
Beyond Parliament, Lord Best has held numerous prestigious appointments:
- President: Sustainable Energy Association and the Local Government Association (2007–2016).
- Chair: Hanover Housing Association (2006–2015) and The Property Ombudsman (2009–2017).
- Trustee: Treasurer and trustee of the Royal Society of Arts (2007–2014).
- Commissioner: Rural Development Commission (1989–1998).
- Advisory: Member of the NCVO Advisory Council (2008–2016).
In recent years, he has continued to lead critical inquiries, chairing the Affordable Housing Commission (2020), the Oxford University Commission on Creating Healthy Cities (2022), and the Devon Housing Commission (2024).
Career Summary Table
| Period | Organization/Role | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1970–1973 | British Churches Housing Trust | Director |
| 1973–1988 | National Federation of Housing Associations | Director |
| 1988–2006 | Joseph Rowntree Foundation & Housing Trust | Leadership |
| 2001–Present | House of Lords | Independent Crossbencher |
| 2007–2016 | Local Government Association | President |
| 2009–2017 | The Property Ombudsman | Chair |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lord Best's political affiliation in the House of Lords?
Lord Best sits as an independent crossbencher, meaning he is not affiliated with any specific political party.
Which major housing foundations has Lord Best led?
He led the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust from 1988 until December 2006.
What parliamentary committees has Lord Best chaired?
He chaired the House of Lords Audit Committee from 2005 to 2010 and the Select Committee on Communications from 2014 to 2017.
Has Lord Best been involved in recent housing commissions?
Yes, he chaired the Affordable Housing Commission in 2020 and the Devon Housing Commission in 2024.
What is Lord Best's educational background?
He was educated at Shrewsbury School and the University of Nottingham.