As the second person to be made a "distinguished professional" member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, I would like to clarify comments attributed to me last week (6 June, page 8).

I believe the CIH to be a very professional organisation, and it makes a valuable contribution to UK housing.

I understand that its five-year business plan is designed to minimise the impact of stock market losses, which have affected many national organisations and trusts, and balance the books within the next few years.

I did not intend to imply that all its training programmes are 33 years out of date. I would, however, welcome an increase in informative and entertaining courses that motivate and inspire, and believe that any organisation putting on such courses would clean up financially.

My presidential ambitions remain undented.