We are delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Wakefield as our new Board member and Chair of the Honeycomb Group Customer Services Committee (CSC).
A qualified CIPFA accountant and well-respected leader in the housing sector, Rob brings over 25 years’ experience to the Group. Since 2017 he has been Chief Executive of Community Gateway Association and he previously held the role of Director of Resources at Salix Homes.
Rob also brings significant governance experience, with board and committee roles within housing, education and charitable organisations. This includes five years as Board member and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee (Finance) with Wythenshawe Housing Trust, nine years on the Board of Arawak Housing Association, and his current role as Board member at Empower Housing Association.
While Rob’s early career was rooted in operations and finance, his focus in recent years has shifted to customer services and the customer journey. He leads Community Gateway - the first housing association founded on the community gateway model - embedding the principles of mutuality, accountability and tenant engagement.
Julie Guildford Smith, Chief Executive of Honeycomb Group, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rob to the Honeycomb Group Board as Chair of our Customer Services Committee. His track record of championing the customer voice and his belief in strong, values-led engagement aligns perfectly with our mission. Rob’s insight, warmth and collaborative approach will be invaluable as we continue to ensure our customers are at the heart of everything we do.”
The role of the CSC Chair is key for Honeycomb, with the group meeting quarterly to oversee how the organisation engages with customers, including how services are designed and delivered in collaboration with them.
Speaking about his appointment, Rob Wakefield added: “Honeycomb Group’s commitment to putting customers first, alongside its focus on community and inclusion, really resonates with me. I am delighted to be joining the Board team and I’m particularly looking forward to working with colleagues, customers and partners to make sure the customer voice is heard loud and clear - and acted upon - right up to Board level.”
