By Simon Wing, Practice Lead Housing
In 2026, we mark 10 years since the establishment of GatenbySanderson’s dedicated Housing Practice. Over that decade, the sector has faced unprecedented pressure: regulatory reform, economic volatility, building safety, customer expectations, and the ongoing housing crisis. Through it all, one constant has remained clear, leadership capability is the single biggest determinant of organisational resilience and impact.
From executive search and interim leadership to board advisory and leadership development, our Housing Practice was created to support organisations operating in complex, highly scrutinised environments. Ten years on, we are proud to be working with housing associations, local authorities and arm’s‑length organisations across the UK, supporting leadership that delivers both commercial strength and social purpose.
A Practice Built on Deep Sector Expertise
What differentiates our Housing Practice is not just scale of activity, but depth of experience. Our current team brings together 118 years of collective service at GatenbySanderson, underpinned by long‑standing relationships across housing, local government and regulation.
Over the last decade, we have supported:
- Housing Plus Group & The Wrekin Group (2024) – Leadership structure, remuneration & assimilation.
- Melin Homes & Newport City Homes (2024) – CEO appointment & selection design.
- Colne & Greenfields ® Eastlight (2020) – Full advisory suite.
- Radian & Yarlington ® Abri (2019) – Executive assimilation & remuneration.
- Housing Plus & Stafford and Rural Homes (2018) – Leadership design & assimilation.
Our clients reflect trusted, long‑term partnerships built on discretion, insight and outcomes, not transactional recruitment. Since forming our Housing Practice in 2016, GS has supported leadership recruitment at scale across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our impact includes:
- 61 Chief Executive appointments.
- 148 Executive Directors appointed.
- 33 Board Chairs appointed.
- 238 Non-Executive Directors successfully placed.
This demonstrates our deep reach, sector knowledge and trusted relationships across the UK housing landscape.
What We’ve Seen Change: Leadership Trends in Housing Recruitment
Ten years of data, dialogue and delivery give us a unique vantage point on how leadership expectations in housing have evolved. Today’s senior appointments demand breadth, adaptability and emotional intelligence in equal measure.
Key skills and capabilities now in highest demand
- Commercial and Financial Acumen
Boards are increasingly seeking leaders who can:
- Navigate constrained funding environments
- Manage complex balance sheets and development risk
- Align social mission with commercial sustainability
- Transformation and Change Leadership
Whether driven by regulation, digitalisation or customer outcomes, housing organisations are prioritising leaders with:
- Proven transformation experience
- Grip on operating models and service redesign
- Ability to lead through ambiguity and scrutiny
- Regulatory and Governance Maturity
There is heightened focus on:
- Consumer regulation
- Board effectiveness
- Executive accountability and assurance
- Customer, Place and Community Focus
Senior leaders are now expected to demonstrate:
- Strong customer insight
- Commitment to co‑production and community engagement
- Clear accountability for service quality and safety
- Inclusive and Values‑Led Leadership
Culture, behaviours and inclusion are no longer “nice to have”, organisations want leaders who:
- Build psychologically safe, inclusive teams
- Lead with authenticity and purpose
- Reflect the communities they serve
LeadershipNOW!: Driving Inclusive Leadership at Scale
One of the most meaningful developments during the last decade has been the creation of LeadershipNOW!, our flagship leadership development programme delivered in partnership with UNIFY.
LeadershipNOW! was designed to address a systemic challenge in housing: the under‑representation of ethnically diverse leaders at senior levels. Through coaching, development, career support and peer networks, the programme has supported both current and aspiring leaders to progress with confidence and visibility.
Crucially, LeadershipNOW! is not about short‑term intervention, it is about long‑term sector change, helping organisations strengthen their leadership pipelines while reinforcing trust, inclusion and credibility.
Looking Forward: The Next Decade of Housing Leadership
As we reflect on the last 10 years, it is clear the pace of change in housing leadership will only accelerate.
The next decade will demand leaders who can balance:
- Purpose and performance
- Regulation and innovation
- Financial discipline and social impact
At GatenbySanderson, our commitment remains the same; to partner with housing organisations to find, develop and support leaders who can meet today’s challenges while building tomorrow’s capability.
Thank you to our clients, candidates and colleagues who have shaped the Housing Practice over the last decade. We are proud of what has been achieved, and even more focused on what comes next.
If you would like to explore with us how executive, interim and board search can support the current leadership priorities and challenges in your organisation, get in touch at info@gatenbysanderson.com