A HOUSING association assistant from Chandler’s Ford has been named the ‘One to Watch’ by governance professionals.

Scott Brooker, a company secretariat assistant with Sovereign Housing Association, was formally recognised at the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) Excellence in Governance Awards.

It is the first time anyone from the housing sector has claimed this title.

The 23-year-old said: “To be recognised at such an early stage in my career is something I am very proud of, especially considering the calibre of candidates I was up against.

“I couldn’t have done it alone though and I’d like to thank my managers for supporting and encouraging me to take on greater responsibilities.”

His manager, Sovereign Company Secretary Val Lynch, said: “This is wonderful recognition for Scott who has been successful at such a prestigious event.

“His achievements to date convinced the judges – and myself – that he shows high future potential. His impact on the department since he joined Sovereign is as close to indispensable as it is possible to be. He is one of the most exceptional talents I have been privileged to work with and I have every confidence that he will become a top company secretary in the future.”

The event, hosted at the Brewery in London by former MP and television personality Gyles Brandreth, attracted more than 600 governance professionals from across the UK and Ireland.