We’re Proud to Announce Our New Chair and Expanded Board

We’re pleased to announce that Bob Heapy has been appointed Chair for our Board, effective from 1 April. Bob succeeds Joe Scullion, who has provided valued leadership as Chair over the past year and will continue to serve as a nominated Board Member from Town & Country Housing. 

Bob has been closely connected to SEC for more than 15 years after joining as a Member in 2010. He brings over 35 years of leadership experience across the construction and social housing sectors, including 13 years as CEO of Town & Country Housing. His experience brings a valuable perspective and clear Member‑focus that will support the delivery of our upcoming strategic plan.

Reflecting on his appointment, Bob said: 

“Having been involved with SEC as a member since 2010, I'm delighted to have been elected to Chair the Board of the organisation. It's an exciting time for the business having recently become incorporated, welcoming a new CEO Jas Rai in October last year and a refreshed Board of Directors with new members joining. I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues on the Board, the whole staff team and our member organisations to drive the business forward to more success.”

As well as welcoming Bob, we’d like to extend our thanks to Joe Scullion for his service as Chair. His leadership has played an important role in our recent progress, and we’re pleased that he’ll continue to contribute through his ongoing position on the Board. 

Welcoming two new Independent Board Members 

We’re also pleased to announce the appointment of two new Independent Board Members – Sarah Chilcott and Susie Warran-Smith CBE. Their expertise and unique points-of-view will play a vital role as we begin our next strategic plan. 

Introducing Sarah Chilcott 

Sarah is a Director at consultancy hgkc and an experienced SME business leader. She previously led the transformation of the national Planning Portal into a thriving business, and now works with business directors to grow and evolve their organisations. 

She holds a Masters in Strategy, Change and Leadership from the University of Bristol and is a certified Non-Exec Director through the Transpire Global Director Network.

On joining SEC, Sarah said: 

“I'm delighted to be appointed to the board of the South East Consortium at such a pivotal moment in their history. Following their incorporation, I look forward to helping them steer their path towards a successful independent business, building on their values and excellent track record, and delivering even greater impact in the housing sector.”

Introducing Susie Warran-Smith CBE

Susie brings a wealth of experience from business, audit and risk management, and public governance. She founded Breakthrough Funding, which she sold to EY in 2020 and served of the Board of HMRC. Susie is currently Chair of Creative United and sits on the Audit and Risk Board of the British Library. 

As a former social housing resident in her twenties, Susie is committed to ensuring residents have access to safe homes and meaningful involvement in decision-making. 

Speaking about her appointment, she said: 

“I have been so impressed by SEC’s track record and with my background in audit and risk management, I am keen to support the organisation in its exciting plans for the future.”

What does this mean for SEC? 

These appointments mark an important moment for SEC as we build on our strong foundations and begin working on our new strategy. It’s all about delivering what matters most to our members: great procurement and brilliant partnerships.

We’re looking forward to working with Bob, Sarah, Susie and the rest of our Board as they bring their insights and energy over the next few years and beyond. 

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Meet the rest of our Board and the SEC Team - Meet the team | South East Consortium