News

Golding Homes has announced that Rachel Hatfield will join as their new Board Chair on 7 August 2026. 

Rachel, a former international finance and corporate lawyer, is currently the Interim Chair of Chime Housing, a prominent community led social housing provider in Hertfordshire. 

She has broad executive and non-executive experience leading the delivery of customer services in local and national communities. She’s worked as a non-executive for 25 years, in a variety of organisations delivering financial, affordable housing, educational, health and land management services. Rachel is also a Trustee of The Land Trust, the UK's premier green space management charity.  This scope of experience and passion for making a difference to customers’ lives will be invaluable in delivering Golding’s vision and values.

Rachel, who’ll take over from Chris Cheeseman said: “I’m delighted to be joining Golding Homes and working with the rest of the Group Board, Executive team, customers and colleagues at this exciting time. I’ve lived in Kent for two years, but my family have lived here for centuries. I was always visiting as a child, so Kent is definitely in my blood.  

“I’ve worked as a non-executive in a variety of organisations around where I’ve lived so I was very keen to get involved with communities in Kent. I’m looking forward to getting to know our customers and colleagues and getting out and about in the areas where we have homes, so I can truly listen to customers’ voices and understand their needs. I’m excited to start the next phase of Golding’s journey.”  

The current Chair of Golding Homes Board, Chris Cheeseman, who’ll be stepping down from his role on 6 August after eight successful years, said:  “It’s been an absolute pleasure to serve as Chair for the last eight years, working closely with Golding’s fantastic Executive and Non-Executive teams, colleagues and customers. Over the years I’ve seen lots of changes and service improvements, successful regenerations and delivery of corporate plans. During my tenure we’ve increased customer engagement, making sure customers' voices are heard at every level, including Board all of which was recognised when Golding received the C1 rating from the Regulator earlier this year. I’d like to thank all the Board members I’ve had the pleasure to work with and Golding’s executive team and colleagues who truly make a difference for customers. We’ve achieved a huge amount together and I know that even greater things lie ahead in Golding’s future."

Stephanie Goad, Chief Executive said: “I’d like to thank Chris for his outstanding contribution to Golding during his time as Chair. His leadership, insight and unwavering commitment to our purpose have been invaluable, and he leaves a lasting legacy for customers, communities and colleagues.  

“We’re now delighted to welcome Rachel as our new Chair and look forward to working together to build on our strong foundations and continue Golding's journey.”