Two new board members, appointed in recent weeks, bring specialist experience in technology, digital governance and housing transformation - skills that directly support Bield’s ambition to help tenants live well, independently and connected in their own homes.

Harry MacLean, co-founder of Rainbow Sensors, and Steve Dungworth, a specialist in social housing transformation and digital governance, joined the board at the end of January 2026 and have already begun contributing to Bield’s strategic direction. Their appointments reflect Bield’s growing focus on how digital and assistive technologies can enhance safety, confidence and independence for older people.

These appointments build on board changes made in September 2025, when Amanda Britain, Emma Garry and Stephen Oswald joined Bield. Since joining, all three have been actively supporting the organisation’s strategic ambitions and governance, bringing complementary expertise across housing delivery, equity in later life, placemaking and inclusive design.

Together, the phased appointments strengthen the board’s depth and balance of skills, while ensuring continuity and long-term oversight.

Paul Edie, chair of Bield’s board, said: “These appointments represent a deliberate and phased strengthening of our governance. This is not a reset, but an evolution - ensuring we have the insight and experience needed to support independent living, embrace innovation and respond to the challenges facing housing and care.”

Harry MacLean brings a strong commercial and technology background, with experience developing digital tools that support people to live safely and independently in their own homes. Steve Dungworth offers extensive experience in housing governance, service reform and digital transformation across public and third sector organisations, with a focus on sustainability, assurance and customer-led change.

The strengthened board supports Bield’s wider work on independent living, including insights from its recent collaboration with Socialudo, which explored how housing, technology and community connections can work together to help older people live well at home. The work reinforced the role of digital tools in enhancing independence when they are designed around people’s lived experience and used to strengthen human connection.

Debbie Collins, chief executive of Bield, said: “Independent living is shaped by the right homes, the right support and the right use of technology. Our Board plays a vital role in guiding that work, and these appointments bring the experience and shared values needed to help Bield continue evolving to meet the needs of older people.”