Chair of the Board, Platform Housing Group
Beyond governance expertise, the Board sought someone with the credibility, emotional intelligence and strategic judgement to unite diverse stakeholders, foster an inclusive Board culture and help shape the organisation's next chapter. They also wanted a leader who could challenge constructively, bring fresh thinking from outside traditional housing circles and maintain an unwavering focus on customers throughout a period of significant organisational change.
The Challenge
Platform Housing Group entered the search for a new Chair at one of the most significant moments in its history. Following the announcement that Chief Executive Elizabeth Froude would be leaving to join Sage Homes, the organisation was simultaneously preparing for the retirement of its long-serving Chair after nine years in post. In addition, more than half of the Board was due to reach the end of its tenure within the following eighteen months, while succession planning was also underway across both the Chief Information Officer and Chief Financial Officer positions.
This created a unique governance challenge. Platform needed a Chair who could provide immediate stability whilst leading one of the largest Board renewal programmes in the sector. The successful candidate would need to build trusted relationships with a new Executive Team, oversee the recruitment of a new Chief Executive, guide Board succession, and provide confident leadership through an increasingly demanding regulatory environment.
The Solution
Recognising the importance of this appointment, Neemar Search designed a highly consultative search process centred around understanding Platform's current Board dynamics and future leadership requirements. Rather than relying solely on a role profile, Neemar held individual conversations with every remaining Board member, alongside discussions with the Chief Executive and wider Executive Team, to understand different leadership styles, governance priorities and the qualities required in the next Chair.
These insights formed the basis of a bespoke assessment framework, enabling us to evaluate candidates not only on governance credentials but also on their ability to lead through complexity, build consensus, influence stakeholders and shape Board culture during a period of transition.
Our search extended well beyond the traditional Chair market. We undertook detailed market mapping across housing, infrastructure, regulated utilities, financial services and the wider public sector, combining highly experienced housing Chairs with accomplished private sector Chief Executives and Non-Executive Directors who could bring new perspectives to governance and customer leadership.
The strength of Neemar Search's relationships across the sector proved instrumental throughout the campaign. Leveraging our extensive Board community, we generated more than 30 senior referrals, with the successful appointment coming directly through a recommendation from another highly respected housing Chair within our network. Alongside direct approaches, the campaign engaged more than 40 of the UK's most experienced housing Chairs, Senior Independent Directors and governance leaders, creating an exceptionally strong and diverse talent pool.
Neemar Search also co-designed and co-led the first-round interview process, developing a structured question framework aligned to Platform's values, strategic ambitions and leadership challenges. Every candidate was assessed against cultural fit, governance capability, regulatory experience, strategic foresight and stakeholder leadership. Diversity remained central throughout the campaign, with 50% of the final shortlist being female and 50% bringing lived experience of social housing, ensuring an inclusive process that reflected Platform's commitment to progressive governance.
The Outcome
Platform appointed Helen Gillett, an accomplished Board leader with extensive Chair, Senior Independent Director and executive experience across housing, government, utilities and customer-focused commercial organisations.
At the time of appointment, Helen was Senior Independent Director at Orbit Group, where she chaired the Governance & Remuneration Committee, served as Vice Chair of the Housing Association Board and played a leading role in Board succession, governance effectiveness and consumer regulation. Alongside her housing experience, she also served as an Independent Non-Executive Director at the Government Property Agency and as an Independent Committee Member at HM Land Registry, bringing extensive experience of governance across highly regulated environments.
The Impact
Her appointment provides Platform with an experienced and forward-thinking Chair capable of leading Board renewal, supporting Executive succession and providing stability during a period of significant organisational change. It also demonstrates Neemar Search's ability to deliver exceptional governance appointments by combining deep sector expertise, trusted relationships and rigorous executive assessment to secure leaders who can shape the future of complex organisations.
Candidate Testimonial
"From my very first conversation with Neemar Search, it was clear this was a highly professional and thoughtfully managed process. They invested time in understanding my background, leadership style and motivations, while also providing a genuine insight into Platform, its Board and the opportunities and challenges facing the organisation.
“The communication throughout was excellent, with clear expectations, honest feedback and thorough preparation at every stage. What stood out most was the quality of the engagement and the depth of understanding Neemar had of both the organisation and the Chair role. The process felt personal, well structured and exceptionally well managed, giving me confidence throughout. I would have no hesitation in recommending Neemar Search to anyone considering a Board or Chair appointment."
Client Testimonial
"We've worked with Neemar Search to appoint a fantastic Chair of the Board, and from the very beginning the experience felt different. Throughout the process, Tom, and the team kept both me and the Board regularly updated, so we always knew exactly where things stood. It was a genuine 'no surprises' approach, with our feedback listened to at every stage and balanced with Neemar's own expertise and market insight.
“What really stood out was the way they took the time to understand us as an organisation. They came with fresh eyes and a fresh approach, but it never felt like they were simply trying to fill a role. They invested time in getting to know our culture, our people and what we were trying to achieve, which meant they represented Platform brilliantly throughout the search.
“It genuinely felt like they wanted to become part of the organisation rather than just complete an assignment. That relationship-focused approach gave us real confidence throughout the process and ultimately helped us appoint an outstanding Chair.
“I would have no hesitation in recommending Neemar Search. The wider team have been fantastic to work with, and I look forward to continuing our relationship in the future."
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