New chief executive of Regulator of Social Housing

Jonathan Walters will take up the role of chief executive from the start of May. 

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has announced today that Jonathan Walters will be its new chief executive, taking up his appointment from the beginning of May 2026. The appointment follows an open recruitment process. 

Jonathan Walters new chief executive of Regulator of Social Housing, photo courtesy of RSH.

Mr Walters has previously held has held several roles at RSH and its predecessor organisations, including as both deputy chief executive and director of strategy. He succeeds Fiona MacGregor, who is stepping down from the role of chief executive that she has held since 2018. 

RSH aims to promote a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. The chief executive leads a team of staff responsible for the regulation of registered social housing providers and, as accounting officer, has a direct line of accountability to Parliament. 

Jonathan Walters says: ‘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. 

‘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.’ 

Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, adds: ‘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.’ 

Bernadette Conroy, Chair of RSH, says: ‘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.’