Peabody is one of the UK’s largest and most established housing associations, with a history spanning more than 160 years. Today, we serve over 220,000 residents across London and the South East, providing homes, services and support that make a real difference to people’s lives. Our purpose is rooted in creating quality homes, stronger neighbourhoods and opportunities for people to thrive, and this purpose shapes every decision we make.

As part of planned Board succession, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair of Audit and Risk Committee to join the Peabody Board at an important point in our development. This appointment combines the responsibilities of a Board member with the leadership of a key Board committee. The role requires a confident and thoughtful chair, able to set the tone for high‑quality discussion, encourage constructive challenge and ensure that assurance is proportionate, insightful and forward‑looking. As a member of the Peabody Board, you will share collective responsibility for the organisation’s long‑term success, culture and reputation. Board members are expected to work collaboratively, exercise independent judgement and uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Residents sit at the heart of Peabody’s work, and the Board is committed to ensuring that resident safety, experience and outcomes are reflected in Board priorities and decision‑making.

We welcome applications from candidates who have built their careers in customer‑facing organisations across a range of sectors, including those with experience in housing, infrastructure, regulated utilities, financial services, public services, local or central government, healthcare, care and support or charitable and not‑for‑profit organisations, as well as other large, complex environments. We also welcome applications from individuals from the private sector who bring a strong understanding of regulation, public accountability and risk, and who can apply this experience in a values‑led organisation with a clear social purpose.

We are seeking an individual with strong professional credibility in audit, risk, finance or assurance, and experience of operating effectively at board or committee level in complex organisations. You will bring sound judgement, independence of thought and the personal authority to chair with confidence, balancing rigorous scrutiny with collaboration and shared purpose. While prior experience chairing an audit or risk committee, or familiarity with the housing or social sector, would be welcomed, this is not essential.

Peabody is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion at Board and organisational level, and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds who bring diverse perspectives and lived experience.

If you are interested in finding out more, please click Apply for further information. Alternatively, if you would welcome a confidential conversation with one of our advisors, please contact

Rosie Gunn on 07964 841 007 or email rosie.gunn@gatenbysanderson.com

Delicia Coutinho on 07741 264 892 delicia.coutinho@gatenbysanderson.com