Chair to step down after seven years

Sheila Collins has elected to stand down as chair of Stonewater, one of the UK’s leading affordable housing providers, ending her seven-year tenure which has seen an extraordinary period of growth for the organisation.

Sheila will be succeeded by Angus Michie, who currently serves on the Board as Chair of Homes and Development Challenge and Assurance Panel, Chair of Stonewater Developments Limited and Chair of Stonewater Commercial Limited.

During her time as Chair, Sheila has driven the highest standards of Governance (G1), maintained Stonewater’s financial strength in the face of unprecedented economic challenges and led the handover of almost 5,500 new homes (between April 2020 and March 2026) alongside adding over 2,300 homes to the Group through six completed mergers and acquisitions.

Before becoming Chair, Sheila held committee roles with Stonewater and its predecessor, Raglan housing association, since 2011. Having signed up for a six-year tenure as Chair in 2019, she extended this for a further year to support the appointment of Stonewater’s new CEO, Jonathan Layzell, in June 2025.

Sheila says: “It’s been a real honour to steer Stonewater’s vision for the customers and communities we serve. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a fantastic Board and Executive team who have so ably navigated some very challenging times. I have every confidence that Angus will continue to build on Stonewater’s strength and success. He has a deep commitment to our social ethos combined with brilliant commercial acumen. I look forward to seeing the organisation continue to flourish in the years ahead and know I’m leaving things in the very best hands.”

Angus is a qualified chartered surveyor with 30 years’ experience in the residential development industry and spent 25 years with the Berkeley Group. As Divisional Chairman of several of the Berkeley Group’s operational businesses across the UK, he has been responsible for a number of the group's joint ventures, including the Prudential and various local authorities. He is also the Managing Director of SevenCapital, which is a developer of residential and mixed-use communities across London, the Midlands and the Southeast.

Angus’ extensive experience and commitment to social purpose will ensure customers remain at the heart of the Board’s approach.

Angus said: “Providing social housing is not simply about building properties and handing over some keys. I firmly believe everyone deserves a home that is designed and built to a high standard, in communities that are wonderful places to live and that enable people to thrive. 

“In the current climate, it’s also imperative that every new home is built with sustainability in mind, to reduce our impact on the environment and protect our customers from high energy costs.

“The UK’s housing crisis is as compelling as ever. Sky-high private rents, economic pressures, the basic cost of living and job and fuel insecurity all create immense strain for families across the country. Sheila has always been committed to ensuring that Stonewater is part of the solution and while she’s set a very high bar to follow, I’m committed to using my time as Chair to provide as many people as we can with a place where they can feel safe, secure and proud to call home.”

Stonewater’s Chief Executive, Jonathan Layzell, said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to work with Sheila who has always put customers at the heart of every decision. I’m hugely grateful for her support and wisdom in helping me settle into my role as CEO – even delaying her departure for a year to support the transition.

“Looking forward, Angus brings his own passion and unique expertise which I’m confident will ensure Stonewater’s continuing success.”

Sheila will officially step down on September 30th, with Angus assuming the role of Chair from October 1st. Members of the Board and the Executive Team will be working closely with both Sheila and Angus to ensure a smooth handover.