Mulberry Housing Society is 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 is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority and has a Board comprising three independent appointees and two Council officers.  The Council funds the society with grants (using Right To Buy receipts and s106 commuted sums) and General Fund loan finance.  The society operates as an alternative affordable housing provider for the purpose of acquiring s106 affordable homes from developers.  Homes will be acquired by the Council and then leased to the CBS.  The society will also lease homes built by the Council on sites where Tower Hamlets retains freehold ownership.  There are 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.