Elliot Leigh has appointed experienced housing leader Nicholas Arthur as Group Head of Partnerships: Housing & Social Care, strengthening its leadership team as demand grows for innovative housing partnerships that support landlords, local authorities and vulnerable residents.
Nicholas brings more than 25 years’ experience across social housing, supported housing and local government, with a strong track record in housing strategy, governance and partnership development. He joins Elliot Leigh from National Housing Group, where he served as Director of Partnerships, leading strategic relationships and integration programmes across multiple housing entities. He also serves as a board member at Lambeth and Southwark Housing Association.
In his new role, Nicholas will work across the Elliot Leigh group to strengthen relationships with local authorities, develop new housing partnerships and help shape the organisation’s housing and social care strategy across temporary accommodation, supported housing and social care.
Elliot Leigh works with landlords and local authorities to deliver housing solutions through several complementary programmes, including its guaranteed rent model, which provides landlords with long-term income and professionally managed properties, and Elliot Leigh TLC, which focuses on supporting vulnerable tenants, including young people leaving care, as they move towards independent living.
Nicholas Arthur comments: “After many years working across the housing sector, I felt it was the right time for a new challenge. Elliot Leigh has an excellent reputation and is one of the most established organisations operating in this space, so the opportunity to join and help drive the next stage of its growth was very appealing.
“My focus will be on strategically expanding the areas where Elliot Leigh operates while strengthening our presence in locations where we already have strong partnerships. Having spent nearly three decades working across social housing and local government, I understand the complexity of the challenges councils are facing and the importance of delivering reliable housing solutions.
“The housing crisis cannot be solved through traditional social housing routes alone. Working with responsible private providers allows councils to access homes more quickly while delivering additional housing capacity.”
He also highlighted the shortage of appropriate move-on accommodation for young people leaving care.
“One of the biggest issues across the sector is the lack of suitable accommodation for young people aged 18 to 25 leaving care. They need stable homes in the right locations so they can begin independent living with the right support around them.”
Elliot Leigh’s TLC programme works closely with local authorities to provide safe and appropriate housing for vulnerable tenants, including care leavers, while supporting residents as they transition towards independence.
“Through initiatives like Elliot Leigh TLC we can work closely with councils to provide safe and stable homes for vulnerable tenants, particularly young people leaving care. Ensuring they have the right environment and support at the start of adulthood can make a lasting difference to their future.”
Nicholas added that the evolving regulatory landscape, including the recent implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, is prompting many landlords to reassess their position in the private rental sector.
“For landlords looking for stability and certainty, working with organisations like Elliot Leigh provides a viable route to retain their investment while removing much of the day-to-day risk and management responsibility.”
Leigh Young, Director at Elliot Leigh, said Nicholas’ experience and insight would be a major asset to the organisation as it continues to expand its work with councils and communities.
“Nicholas brings an exceptional depth of knowledge across social housing, supported housing and public sector partnerships. His experience working with local authorities, housing associations and government stakeholders makes him a tremendous asset to Elliot Leigh as we continue to grow our housing and social care partnerships.
“As demand for housing continues to rise and the sector faces increasing regulatory change, it is more important than ever that innovative models exist which support landlords, councils and residents alike. Nicholas’ leadership will play a key role in helping us strengthen and scale that work.”
Nicholas said the opportunity to make a tangible difference to people’s lives continues to motivate him.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of working in housing is seeing the difference it makes to people’s lives. When families receive the keys to a home they can call their own, it gives them the stability and foundation they need to move forward.”
Looking ahead, Elliot Leigh is continuing to expand its housing initiatives, with plans later this year to launch the Elliot Leigh Foundation, which will provide an additional layer of support for vulnerable residents and communities connected to the organisation’s housing programmes.
Nicholas added: “Elliot Leigh already has a strong footprint and a proven model that works for landlords, councils and residents. There is huge potential to build on that and demonstrate how partnerships like these can play a meaningful role in addressing the UK’s housing challenges.”
