Joining the board are Maggie Porteous, Richard Petty, and Angela Lockwood OBE – each bringing extensive experience across housing, governance, and customer service to further strengthen the board’s expertise and Riverside’s strategic leadership.

Terrie Alafat CBE, group chair of Riverside’s board, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Maggie, Richard and Angela to the board. Their collective experience and deep commitment to affordable housing and our social mission will be instrumental in guiding Riverside’s future. They join us at a key time as we are developing our forward-looking corporate strategy and continue to be focused on delivering excellent customer service, and strengthening our impact in communities.”

Maggie Porteous has taken on the role of group board vice chair and chair of the Governance and Remuneration Committee, succeeding Sandy Murray, who retired in April 2025.

She joins Riverside’s group board following a distinguished 31-year career with the John Lewis Partnership, where she led 20,000 partners across 51 department stores. Her governance portfolio includes roles as chair of the John Lewis Foundation, board member of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and senior independent director at Abri Group. She also serves as trustee of the Octavia Foundation.

Maggie Porteous said: “I’m honoured to join Riverside’s board as vice chair and chair of the Governance and Remuneration Committee. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how a strong, values-driven culture can unlock exceptional performance and service.

“I’m passionate about creating environments where people thrive and believe that secure, decent housing is one of the most powerful enablers of social mobility. I look forward to supporting Riverside’s mission and helping shape its future impact.”

Richard Petty is a Chartered Surveyor and Head of UK Residential Valuation at JLL, with nearly three decades of experience advising the social housing sector. He has held senior board roles at Watford Community Housing Trust, Richmond Housing Partnership, Anchor Hanover Group, and Dolphin Living Limited. By joining the group board and serving on the Homes Committee, his national perspective and deep sector knowledge will be invaluable to Riverside’s strategic direction.

Richard Petty added: “Riverside plays a vital role in shaping communities and delivering quality homes across the country. It’s an organisation I’ve long admired for its values, ambition, and leadership within the sector.

“I look forward to contributing my experience and insight to help the Board navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead facing the sector, and to support Riverside’s continued growth and impact.”

Angela Lockwood OBE has joined initially as a group board and Customer Experience Committee (CEC) Observer, and will transition to becoming a group board member and chair of the CEC from 1 October 2025, following Sam Scott’s retirement from these positions. As CEC chair, Angela will lead the committee in overseeing customer service delivery, complaints, and engagement, ensuring services are effective, compliant, and customer-focused.

Angela offers over 30 years of experience in social housing, including 15 years as chief executive of North Star Housing Group. Her career spans local authorities, housing associations, and governance roles across not-for-profits, membership organisations, and a PLC. Angela is widely recognised for her work in cultural transformation and regeneration, with a strong focus on trust and customer service. She was awarded an OBE in June 2025 for services to disadvantaged people in the North East.

Angela Lockwood OBE said: “Riverside’s values and commitment to community truly resonate with me, and I’m proud to contribute to a Board that shares my belief in the importance of trust, purpose, and people.

“I’m passionate about the role customers play in shaping services, and look forward to stepping into the role of chair of the Customer Experience Committee later this year – supporting Riverside’s focus on collaboration and meaningful change.”