Housing Ombudsman Denise Fowler to take on new role

Denise Fowler is leaving her role as Housing Ombudsman in June 2017 to join Women’s Pioneer Housing as its new chief executive.

Since her appointment as Housing Ombudsman in March 2015 Denise has led transformational change at the Housing Ombudsman Service. Increasing the number of complaints investigated in year by over 50% and removing an inherited backlog of old cases. Using a results-based accountability framework to drive change, Denise has seen customer satisfaction rates from both landlords and complainants rise significantly.

She said: ‘I am very proud of all I have achieved as Housing Ombudsman over the last two years with the support of my colleagues. For the next three months I will continue to focus on my role as Housing Ombudsman.

‘Having just completed an extensive consultation with the sector on our business plan for 2017-18, I will work with the team and the Department for Communities and Local Government (our sponsor department) to ensure that the Housing Ombudsman Service can continue to provide an excellent service to landlords and tenants. To help drive up standards across the housing sector.

‘I then look forward to starting an exciting new challenge in June. I could not pass up the opportunity of leading Women’s Pioneer, an organisation with such a unique history and such potential to do so much for women in need of housing in London. Providing a voice for women’s housing is as relevant today as it was in 1920.’

During the next three months if any complaints against Women’s Pioneer are brought to the Ombudsman they will be dealt with by members of the Ombudsman’s team. Denise will have no personal involvement.