Look Ahead appoints Liz Butler OBE as Chair of the Board

Look Ahead has announced the appointment of Liz Butler OBE as Chair of its Board. She succeeds Baroness Mary Watkins of Tavistock, who steps down later this month after five years as Chair.

During her tenure, Mary has overseen a period of significant organisational change and
development, helping to strengthen governance and support Look Ahead’s long-term ambitions while keeping customers at the heart of the organisation’s work.

Liz was unanimously selected by both Board members and Look Ahead customers following a competitive recruitment process and will formally take up the role on 17th September 2026. A Chartered Accountant, she brings extensive leadership experience across housing, health, regulation and the voluntary sector, including as former Chair of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and Audit and Risk Committee Chair at the Regulator of Social Housing. She currently holds board leadership roles with the Royal British Legion and Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board. Liz was awarded an OBE in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List, for voluntary service to Veterans and to Public Service.

Chris Hampson, Chief Executive of Look Ahead, said: “I would like to thank Mary for the immense contribution she has made over the past five years. Her skill, commitment and leadership have helped guide Look Ahead through a period of significant change while keeping customers at the heart of our work.

“We are pleased to welcome Liz as our new Chair. She brings an exceptional breadth of
experience across housing, health, social care and the voluntary sector, and I look forward to working with her as we continue to deliver high-quality services and support.”

Baroness Mary Watkins of Tavistock said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Look Ahead. I am proud of what we have achieved together and of the commitment shown every day by colleagues, customers and fellow Board members. I leave confident that Look Ahead is a strong, values-driven organisation with a clear sense of purpose and a bright future ahead.”

Look Ahead is also pleased to welcome Beverley Tarka OBE to the Board as Chair of its Quality and Safety Committee. Beverley is a former Corporate Director at the London Borough of Haringey and President of ADASS, with more than 30 years’ experience in adult social care and public service leadership. She currently serves as a Trustee of Skills for Care and was awarded media release an OBE in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List for services to Adult Social Care and Unpaid Carers.

Ends.

Notes to editors:
Look Ahead is a specialist housing association and social care provider working across London and the South East, supporting thousands of people each year, including people with mental health needs, learning disabilities and autism, young people and care leavers, and people experiencing homelessness.

For more information about Look Ahead’s Board and leadership team, visit Our Leadership – Look Ahead.

Media enquires: Kate Bawden, Director of Communications and Fundraising.
Tel: 07581 145741. Email: Katebawden@lookahead.org.uk