Populo Living, the London Borough of Newham’s wholly owned housing company, is seeking to appoint a new Chair and an additional Non-Executive Director to its Board. These are exceptional opportunities to contribute to the strategic leadership of a dynamic, socially driven organisation that is transforming the housing landscape in one of London’s most diverse and ambitious boroughs.
About Populo Living
Populo Living was established to address the acute housing needs of Newham by delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the needs of local people. With 785 homes already completed and under management, and thousands more in development or with planning permission, Populo is not just building homes—it is building communities. The company operates with a strong social purpose, reinvesting profits into affordable housing and community benefit, while maintaining commercial discipline and long-term financial sustainability.
Populo Living is a group of companies committed to delivering homes that are not only well-designed and energy-efficient but also affordable and community-focused. The group comprises three entities:
▪ Populo Living, which manages homes for rent on the open market;
▪ Populo Homes, a registered social housing provider delivering genuinely affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership in Newham;
▪ Populo Design & Build, which provides design, development and construction management , working with trusted partners and suppliers.
Backed by the London Borough of Newham, Populo Living benefits from access to council-owned land and long-term public investment. This enables the company to take a strategic, sustainable approach to development, with a pipeline of projects that will continue well into the next decade. The organisation is committed to maintaining high standards in design, construction, and environmental performance, while also providing excellent customer service and long-term stewardship of its homes.
Populo Living offers a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that is making a tangible difference in people’s lives. As a Board member, you will help shape the future of housing in Newham, contributing to a legacy of sustainable development, social value, and community empowerment.
Chair of the Board
As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring it functions effectively and collaboratively in overseeing the company’s direction and performance. You will play a pivotal role in guiding Populo Living through its next phase of growth, working closely with the Executive team, fellow Board members, and key stakeholders, including the London Borough of Newham as the sole shareholder.
You will be responsible for ensuring that the Board maintains a clear strategic focus, robust governance, and high standards of conduct and accountability. This includes setting the tone for Board discussions, ensuring all voices are heard, and fostering a culture of constructive challenge and collective decision-making. You will also act as an ambassador for the organisation, representing Populo Living externally and helping to build strong relationships with partners, investors, and the wider community.
We are seeking a candidate with prior experience chairing a board or committee in a growth-oriented, customer-focused environment. You should bring senior leadership experience from sectors such as housing, commercial development, the public sector, or not-for-profit organisations. Strong communication and influencing skills are essential, as is a deep understanding of governance, risk management, and the political and regulatory context in which local authority trading companies operate.
The role requires a commitment of approximately three days per month.
For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners.
Marek Dobrowolski, Partner, Place, Regeneration and Housing
Marek.Dobrowolski@berwickpartners.co.uk
Closing date for applications: 25th June 2025.
Berwick Partners