The Challenge
The challenge was not simply to fill a role, but to protect organisational momentum at a critical point. This meant:
- Avoiding loss of pace during executive transition
- Maintaining credibility with regulators while progressing from C2 to C1
- Ensuring a newly restructured People & Change function did not lose direction or confidence
- Converting early-stage cultural thinking into delivery
The Solution
LHP engaged Neemar to identify an interim Director of People & Change who could operate at executive level and deliver from day one.
Neemar worked closely with LHP to shape the brief beyond the job description, focusing on risks facing the organisation and the behaviours required to operate effectively at executive level during a period of change.
Rather than running a broad search, Neemar leveraged an established network of proven interim leaders within the housing sector, enabling rapid access to individuals with direct experience of similar regulatory, cultural and change challenges.
This approach reduced time to hire and increased confidence that the successful candidate could operate credibly from the outset.
The Outcome
By being clear on the role requirements and organisation goals, Neemar were able to place a leader that was well equipped to ensure no loss of momentum during a critical period of executive transition.
The successful interim was able to contribute immediately at executive level - establishing credibility across LHP, whilst operating confidently within a complex and evolving leadership environment. Despite stepping into a function that had recently been reshaped, they:
- Offered stability to the People & Change team and created a more cohesive operating model
- Moved key strategic priorities into delivery, ensuring continuity despite leadership transition
- Balanced organisational change with a strong focus on culture, values, and employee experience
- Supported the executive team through challenging transformation activity with a measured approach
The Impact
This assignment demonstrated the value of interim leadership during moments of change and whilst organisations are most exposed.
Neemar introduced LHP to an individual who could operate immediately at executive level, maintaining cultural focus, and progressing strategic priorities with zero risk. For LHP, this meant continuity, stability and agility during a period that could have disrupted both performance and culture.
Client Feedback
“We needed someone who could take early-stage ideas and turn them into delivery, and do that in a complex environment. What stood out was the ability to balance being values-led and people-focused, while still driving action and holding momentum.
“In a moment where I needed to act quickly, it was a straightforward decision. Neemar understand the housing sector, they understand the challenges we’re facing, and they have access to people who can come in and make an impact immediately.
“There’s a level of trust. You know the people being introduced will operate at the right level, pick things up quickly, and add value straight away. That was exactly what we needed.”
Shaun Harley, Interim CEO, LHP
