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.
Non-Executive Director
As a Non-Executive Director, you will contribute to the effective governance and strategic leadership of Populo Living. You will support the Board in setting the company’s direction, scrutinising performance, and ensuring that the organisation continues to deliver on its mission to provide high-quality, affordable homes for Newham residents.
You will bring insight, challenge, and support to the executive team, drawing on your professional experience to help shape policy, monitor risk, and ensure financial viability. You will also act as an advocate for Populo Living, promoting its work and values to external audiences and helping to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
We are looking for individuals with substantial senior-level experience in residential property development—particularly in land acquisition or sales and marketing—or those with transferable expertise in areas such as IT, marketing, or finance. You should have a sound understanding of corporate governance, risk management, and financial oversight, along with a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community impact.
This role requires a commitment of approximately two days per month and is remunerated at £10,000 per annum.
▪ Board meetings are held in person at Populo Living’s offices in Stratford, London.
▪ Both appointments are for an initial term of three years, subject to annual review.
If you are passionate about housing, community development, and good governance—and if you are ready to bring your experience and insight to a purpose-driven organisation—we would be delighted to hear from you.
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