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Watford Community Housing appoints chair designate ahead of proposed merger
Watford Community Housing has appointed a new chair designate who will take up the role ahead of the association’s proposed merger with Thrive Homes.
Watford Community Housing has appointed a new chair designate who will take up the role ahead of the association’s proposed merger with Thrive Homes #UKHousingHattie Llewelyn-Davies, who is already chair of Essex-based association Eastlight Community Homes, will join the 7,500-home landlord as chair in April 2026. She will take over from Chris Cheshire, who is stepping down after more than nine years on Watford Community Housing’s board.
In September, Watford Community Housing entered talks with Thrive Homes about a merger that would create a new 12,000-home landlord.
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The boards of both Hertfordshire-based housing associations have approved an outline business case and are consulting residents over the proposal.
The new landlord will be a community gateway housing association, a model already used by Watford Community Housing, which will give residents influence through membership, as well as participation in decision-making panels and local policy.
If approved, the formal partnership could be in place by June 2026. The organisations said their merger aims to improve services by “combining resources, expertise and operational capacity”, while also providing new homes “to meet the growing demand for social housing”.
Ms Llewelyn-Davies said: “I am thrilled to be joining Watford Community Housing and proud to have been appointed as chair designate for the proposed new organisation.
“I am fully focused on driving improvements for residents, and the partnership has the potential to deliver better services for existing customers of both Thrive Homes and Watford Community Housing.”
She was also involved in the merger between Colne Housing and Greenfields Community Housing to create Eastlight Community Homes.
Tina Barnard, chief executive of Watford Community Housing, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Hattie to Watford Community Housing, and as chair designate for our proposed partnership with Thrive Homes.
“She brings a wealth of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the ethos that underpins our work.”
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