This session brings together two leaders who know what it means to step into difficult situations and steady the ship. Richard and Amanda will explore what leadership looks like when the environment is tough, the stakes are high and the organisation needs clarity, honesty and direction. Their experiences offer invaluable lessons for aspiring and newly appointed CEOs in social housing who want to understand not only how to lead when things are going well but how to lead when they aren’t.

What they will cover:

· What leadership under scrutiny, pressure and complexity really requires.

· How to build trust and stability when stepping into challenging organisational environments.

· Lessons from regulated sectors and crisis leadership that apply directly to social housing.

· Amanda’s experience of leading RBH’s cultural and operational recovery after national scrutiny.

· How to stay grounded, honest and decisive when facing uncomfortable truths.

· Practical approaches for creating clarity, direction and alignment during difficult periods.

What attendees will gain:

· Real insight into what effective leadership looks like in high-pressure or crisis situations.

· Examples of how experienced CEOs navigate scrutiny, uncertainty and organisational challenge.

· Tools to help build trust, transparency and accountability during difficult periods.

· Greater confidence to lead with integrity, steadiness and clarity when circumstances are tough.

· Practical guidance for preparing mentally and strategically for the moments every CEO eventually faces.

Contributors:

Amanda Newton – Chief Executive, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH)

Amanda became CEO of RBH in 2023, taking on the role at a pivotal and highly challenging moment for the organisation. She stepped into leadership following intense national scrutiny after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, which brought to light systemic failures across repairs, data, organisational culture and resident engagement. Since her appointment, Amanda has been leading RBH through a period of recovery and renewal, with a clear focus on learning, accountability and rebuilding trust with residents and partners. Drawing on her background in performance improvement, customer-facing services and organisational change, she is driving a cultural reset and strengthening the foundations needed to deliver consistently safe, responsive and resident-centred services.

Richard Moriarty – Former Chief Executive, Civil Aviation Authority

Richard has over 25 years’ experience at board and executive level across highly regulated sectors including aviation, legal services, water and housing. As Chief Executive of the Civil Aviation Authority, he led the organisation through periods of significant public and political scrutiny, including major sector disruption that required the coordinated repatriation of large numbers of UK travellers following airline failure.

Richard now works in a portfolio of non-executive and advisory roles, supporting boards and senior leaders as they navigate regulation, governance and organisational recovery. He brings a thoughtful, wide-angled perspective on leadership under pressure, shaped by experience of complex systems, scrutiny and long-term change.

Please note this session will not be recorded.