Who’s moving where within the social housing sector…

ONWARD

Sandy Livingstone, Onward’s Executive Director of Growth, has been appointed as their new Chief Executive.

It follows Bronwen Rapley’s retirement after almost a decade in the role.

Livingstone is a chartered surveyor with extensive experience in housing, having started his housing career working for Glasgow Housing Association. Prior to joining Onward, he was a director in Savills’ Housing Consultancy division.

Livingstone joined Onward in 2017 as an Executive Director of Property and earlier this year, he was appointed as the Executive Director of Growth with a focus on delivering plans to build 5,000 new homes.

He begins his new role on 1st February.

Speaking about the appointment, Chair of the Board Tim Johnston said: “Sandy has a wealth of experience and has been instrumental in shaping the organisation that we are today. He is passionate about our customers and I know that under Sandy’s leadership we will continue to make a positive difference in the communities that we serve.”

Based solely in the North West of England, Onward has 35,000 homes across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.

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VIVID

South of England housing association Vivid has appointed David Ball as Chief Financial Officer.

Ball has been part of the Vivid team for more than 12 years, most recently as Interim CFO and previously as Director of Finance.

He has over 20 years of senior leadership experience and prior to joining Vivid held prominent positions in the regulated utility sector, including British Gas and National Grid.

Speaking about his appointment, Ball said: “I’m excited to step into the role of CFO. My priority is to uphold our financial resilience while championing VIVID’s growth, so we can achieve our bold vision and aspirations together.”

Vivid has 37,000 homes across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex.

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PEABODY

Peabody Group has announced the appointment of Elly Hoult to its Board.

Hoult is currently the Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer for Peabody and has played a key role in strengthening Peabody’s local approach.

Her operational experience includes direct leadership in operations, supported housing, and asset management.

Caroline Corby, Chair of Peabody, said: “Elly’s experience and insight will be invaluable to the Board and ensure we continue to put residents at the heart of everything we do.

“She brings a deep understanding of residents’ priorities and the day to day of realities on the ground of taking a local approach to deliver safe, high-quality homes and services.”

Peabody are responsible for 109,000 homes across London and the home counties.

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SETTLEPARADIGM

Martin Medlycott has been announced as SettleParadigm’s new Group Chief Information Officer (CIO).

In this role he will be responsible for leading the Technology, Digital and Data strategy at SettleParadigm.

Medlycott joins SettleParadigm after serving as CIO and Data Protection Officer at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH).

“I’m genuinely passionate about using technology to drive sustainable growth and measurable impact, “Medlycott said of his appointment.

“My focus is always on elevating customer experience, developing high-performing teams, and enabling innovation that delivers real value. The opportunity with SettleParadigm brings all of that together, especially with the transformation ahead following the merger and the exciting future growth ambitions. I’m looking forward to what we can build together.”

SettleParadigm is a newly formed housing association that’s the result of the merger between Settle Group and Paradigm Housing Group.

It is now the largest housing association operating mainly in the Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire area.

SettleParadigm is an interim trading name, and company expects to develop a new name, brand, and corporate plan later in 2026.