Anchor appoints chief risk officer following C3 grade

The report identified that over a third of homes did not have a current satisfactory electrical safety inspection report and found a “significant backlog of electrical remedial actions”. Other weaknesses related to fire safety and insufficient understanding of the presence of damp and mould.

Anchor said the post was created to ensure it is “best placed” to address the issues highlighted in its self-referral and to “achieve and maintain the highest possible regulatory ratings for the benefit of our residents”. 

Ms Thompson will be responsible for ensuring Anchor’s governance, regulatory, policy, and risk and assurance frameworks are compliant with regulation and operate “cohesively” across the group.

A former executive director and chief risk officer at Bromford, Ms Thompson has more than 25 years’ experience in senior housing roles. She is also non-executive director at NewArch Homes.

She said: “I deeply appreciate the opportunity to join Anchor. I very much look forward to working alongside the board, executive team, colleagues and residents at this pivotal time for the sector.”

Sarah Jones, chief executive of Anchor, said: “Sara has an impressive track record, and we’re delighted to welcome her to Anchor.

“I look forward to her playing an important role in ensuring a culture of high performance and accountability around risk awareness, governance and compliance.”

The Anchor Trust merged with Hanover Housing Association in November 2018. The landlord owns and manages around 40,400 homes across England.