The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has today announced the appointment of Jonathan Walters as its next chief executive.

Mr Walters has held several roles at RSH and its predecessor organisations including deputy chief executive and director of strategy. He will take up his appointment from the start of May following the retirement of current CEO Fiona MacGregor.

In welcoming the appointment, Housing Secretary Steve Reed called on the new chief executive and the wider organisation to think about how the regulatory system can support the sector to increase the volume of new affordable housing.

“I warmly welcome Jonathan Walters and I know his invaluable expertise will help us deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation and ensure social landlords are providing safe, decent and high-quality homes,” he said.

“I ask that through this process you actively consider what more the regulatory system can do to encourage and support the sector to deliver the increase in social and affordable homes that this country needs.

“I would ask that this includes consideration of how the regulatory framework and the engagement that the Regulator has with registered providers can better reflect the importance of new supply, as well as how the Regulator can ensure that its practices support increased investment into the sector.”

In response, Jonathan Walters said he wanted to see “new models and new ideas”.

“Having more and better social homes is vital for people and the wider economy. Regulation is central to making that happen, driving landlords to improve their homes and services and building as many high-quality social homes as they can,” he said.

“I also want to see new models and new ideas coming forward that will ensure the delivery of high-quality social homes from landlords that have a long-term sustainable commitment to social housing in England.

“The social housing sector continues to face economic challenges. It will need to change and develop and so will RSH if it is going to play a full role in this exciting agenda. I look forward to leading the regulator to take on these challenges.”

Bernadette Conroy, Chair of RSH, said: “I am delighted that the Secretary of State has approved the appointment of Jonathan Walters as chief executive. This comes at a crucial time for the social housing sector as, against a backdrop of global uncertainty, the country needs a step change in the delivery of new homes and an improvement in the quality of existing homes and services.

“Jonathan’s many years of experience mean that he is well placed to lead RSH as it changes to further develop its role at the centre of the social housing sector.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Fiona MacGregor on behalf of the board for the huge contribution she has made as chief executive, leading RSH through the expansion of its consumer remit. She leaves RSH in a good position to tackle the new challenges it faces.”