Remembering John Knight CBE, Habinteg board member and tenant champion | Latest news

Habinteg would like to acknowledge the immeasurable contribution of former Board member John Knight CBE (picture right), who died on 2 December 2025.

John lived for many years at Habinteg’s Bramston Close scheme and drew on his professional background in the civil service and disability policy campaigning to successfully apply for a position on the board in 2019.

He was the Board champion for the major review of our tenant engagement strategy in 2022, and continued to support and engage with involved tenants as a member of Joint Strategy and Impact Group throughout his time on the board.

John was also the nominated Board champion for safeguarding, attending regular meetings with the Neighbourhood Managers as part of this duty which he took extremely seriously.

Outside of Habinteg, John devoted much of his working life to a variety of public sector roles, trying to improve things for disabled people.

In 2011, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to disabled people and in 2012 received an honorary doctorate from the University of Nottingham for his public service.

Habinteg interim Chief Executive Martin Warhurst said: “John’s Habinteg Board term concluded in November and we are incredibly saddened by his sudden loss so soon after.

“The clear focus of his work with Habinteg was the daily life experiences of our disabled tenants, always bringing his insight and knowledge to the table.

“We will ensure that we use his legacy to inspire us to continue to improve and challenge ourselves and to never rest on our laurels. John kept us honest, and never let us forget why we are here.”

If you like to read more about John, the Hereford Times has written a tribute on his life and work.