Chaired by Unite CEO Joe Lister, the board will feature representatives from PBSA providers such as Watkin Jones, Empiric Student Property, The Dot Group, Student Roost and UPP.

The board will “lead engagement with national, regional and local government” and “highlight the critical role the sector has in supporting the UK higher education sector and driving economic growth”.

This new PBSA board will work in collaboration with the BPF’s executive team, led by CEO Melanie Leech, and the BPF’s existing student accommodation committee.

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It is unclear exactly how this new board’s work will differ from that of the existing student accommodation committee.

“The board has been created to continue to make the case to the government that PBSA has a critical role in providing students with safe, secure housing that improves the overall student experience, while alleviating pressure on local housing supply and contributing to regional development,” said Melanie.

“I look forward to working with Joe and his colleagues on the BPF PBSA board to further the provision of professionally managed student housing and support the government’s ambition for growth.”