Fiona MacGregor to remain RSH chief after scrapping plans to leave

Ms MacGregor has led the RSH since it was formed in 2018 when it became a standalone body due to the break-up of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). Prior to that she had been executive director of regulation at the HCA since 2015, having worked at the body since its launch in 2008. 

Bernadette Conroy, chair of the RSH, said: “I am delighted that Fiona is able to continue leading RSH at this important time for the social housing sector.

“The board and I look forward to working closely with her, Jonathan and the rest of the RSH executive team as we take forward our regulatory agenda.”

Ms MacGregor is staying on during a busy time for the regulator. It will soon be granted new powers, and registered providers are facing a difficult operating environment.

The Social Housing Regulation Bill will give the regulator greater powers to protect residents, including plans for Ofsted-style inspections of housing associations’ stock and unlimited fines for poorly performing social landlords. 

Last month, new amendments were brought into the bill in the House of Lords to make social housing providers ensure their staff meet new competency standards.

Meanwhile Mr Walters told Social Housing last month that up to 80 housing associations could be downgraded to a V2 for viability as the regulator prepares for a wave of rating action amid the current economic challenges.