Mulberry Housing Society was an innovative charitable community benefit society (CBS) set up by Tower Hamlets Council in 2017 to provide affordable homes for rent to local people.  The organisation was registered with the Financial Conduct Authority and had a Board comprising three independent appointees and two Council officers.  The Council funded the society with grants (using Right To Buy receipts and s106 commuted sums) and General Fund loan finance.  The society operated as an alternative affordable housing provider for the purpose of acquiring s106 affordable homes from developers.  Homes would be acquired by the Council and then leased to the CBS.  The society could also lease homes built by the Council on sites where Tower Hamlets retains freehold ownership.  There were also plans to enter into similar development and lease-back arrangements with private land owners and developers.  My role was to lead establishment and development of the society, as well as serving as a Director on the Board.