Honeycomb Group appoints experienced leader Peter Hay CBE to lead Group Board

We're pleased to announce the appointment of a brand-new Chair of our Board this week.

Experienced leader Peter Hay CBE will take on the role following an extensive recruitment process.

Currently working as a consultant specialising in adult social work, Peter has also supported local government and councils and developed toolkits. He has also co-authored publications by the LGA and NHS and worked with Longhurst Housing Association, Turning Point, Anchor Housing, Birmingham City Council and North East Lincolnshire Council. In 2012 he was awarded a CBE for health and social care services.

Peter Hay CBE

The news comes as Andy Spencer steps down from the role in September after nine years. Peter will take on the role as Chair Designate on 2 August, working in a handover period with Andy until September. He’ll meet colleagues, volunteers and board members to widen his understanding of our homelessness, social housing, domestic abuse and independent living services, whilst also meeting customers to ensure their voice remains at the heart of everything we do.

The new appointment comes at an exciting time for our organisation, as we have recently launched our new five-year strategic vision – Thriving Futures. Peter will visit homes, schemes, refuges, villages and communities to gain a greater insight into the plan’s ambitions.

Honeycomb Group Chief Executive, Julie Guildford Smith, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Peter as our new Honeycomb Group Chair.

“A highly experienced leader with a track record of service improvement and influence on national policy, his career is rooted by a deep commitment to strengthening people’s voices and developing communities.

“He’ll be a great asset to our team and guide us as we work on delivering our new five-year corporate plan towards a thriving future.”

Peter Hay CBE added: “I’m delighted to join Honeycomb Group at such an exciting time for the organisation and would like to take this opportunity to thank Andy Spencer for his commitment to the Group over the last nine years.

“I’m looking forward to starting my new role as Chair and leading the Group towards achieving the ambitions of their new corporate plan.

“Their goals and values around creating fantastic outcomes for customers, local communities and the organisation completely echo my own, so I’m keen to get started."