Our Client
Soha Housing is a community-focused housing association based in Oxfordshire, managing over 7,000 homes. With commitments to resident safety and service excellence, Soha required strategic safety leadership to support its evolving compliance and governance agenda.
The Background
Soha required a safety professional to lead its corporate safety strategy and oversee building compliance across its housing and in-house maintenance operations. The role required technical expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to influence across property, operations, and governance. Reporting into the senior leadership team, this was a key strategic appointment.
Our Approach
We applied our Executive Search methodology, combining deep sector knowledge with a research-led process. We...
Conducted briefings to understand strategic goals and cultural fit
Mapped the market across housing, FM, and public sector environments
Assessed candidates via structured interviews and benchmarking
The Outcome
We successfully placed a Chartered Head of Health and Safety with over 20 years’ experience across housing, government, and facilities management. The appointment has strengthened Soha’s safety leadership and enhanced compliance oversight.
Integrated Compliance Oversight: Delivered joined-up governance across housing, maintenance and building safety.
Resident-Focused Safety Culture: Embedded safety standards that directly support frontline teams and communities.
Board and Committee Engagement: Strengthened reporting to Health & Safety and Audit & Risk Committees.
Why Us?
At Irwin and Colton, we understand that executive hiring is about more than just qualifications; it’s about finding leaders who can shape culture, drive performance, and deliver long-term value.
Our Executive Search service is tailored, discreet, and built on deep industry insight and a robust, research-led approach. Whether you're hiring for a board-level role or a critical leadership position, we act as a trusted partner, bringing clarity, confidence, and expertise to every stage of the search.
For support with Executive Search recruitment, please contact us.