Peter Baffoe appointed vice chair of Peabody

Peabody has named long-standing board member and resident advocate Peter Baffoe as its new vice chair.

Peter has been a member of Peabody’s board since 2018, bringing his personal experience of growing up in social housing and a strong connection to the community. His insight and thoughtful approach to challenging decisions has helped shape how Peabody delivers its homes and services.

Peter is executive director of South London Mission, a small charity based in Southwark. He’s also chair of governors at Rye Oak Primary School and a trustee of Maudsley charity. He has been active across Peabody’s resident-led committees for several years. From his early involvement with Peabody’s community foundation committee, to chairing the resident experience committee and sitting on the G15’s residents’ group, Peter has seen first-hand the difference that listening to and acting on residents’ views can make.

Reflecting on his new role, Peter said: “Being vice chair is something I’m proud of and take very seriously, but I’m a resident voice, not the resident voice of Peabody. There are lots of ways residents can share their experiences and views with Peabody, and all of them matter. I see my role as mostly about asking questions, offering a resident perspective, and helping keep the focus on what’s most important – safe, decent, affordable homes and good services.”

Peter grew up in social housing in Elephant and Castle and later moved to a Peabody home. While living there, he went to a meeting to ask Peabody for new homes in his area and extra recycling bins and was asked if he wanted to get more involved.

“I hope my story shows how much power there is in simply speaking up,” said Peter. “I’d encourage any resident who wants to see change to do the same.”

Peter is currently in the final two-and-a-half years of his third term on the Peabody board. During this time, he wants to continue pushing for progress that supports both residents and colleagues.

“Peabody teams are a such huge part of how residents experience Peabody,” he said. “Supporting our colleagues to feel heard and valued is part of the bigger picture, and I want to make sure they have what they need to deliver the best they can for residents.”

Peter’s appointment marks another step forward in Peabody’s commitment to putting residents at the heart of decision-making at every level of the organisation. Over the past few years, the not-for-profit organisation has been working hard to get closer to residents while investing in homes and services. It has created more responsive local teams and is making sure resident feedback is acted on at all levels of Peabody.

Board chair Caroline Corby welcomed Peter into his new role, saying: “Having residents involved at board level isn’t just good practice – it’s essential. Peter’s contribution over the years has helped ensure we stay connected to what matters most. He brings honesty, compassion and insight, and I’m looking forward to working with him as vice chair.”

Chief executive Ian McDermott added: “Peter always has residents’ best interests at heart, and that comes through in everything he does. He’s someone people naturally warm to – he’s approachable, humble, and quietly determined. It’s a real asset to have someone like Peter in this role.”

As chair of Peabody’s resident experience committee, Peter continues to encourage others to get involved and make their voices heard. From speaking to their dedicated neighbourhood managers, joining their local resident associations, or by taking part in events and consultations within their communities, there’s a range of options to get involved.

“The more residents speak up, the better we become,” added Peter. “Everything we do comes back to the homes and services we provide.”

Peter succeeds David Hardy as vice chair. David served on the board from 2016 until earlier this month, bringing a wealth of expertise in finance, treasury and governance. He served as interim chair after the passing of Lord Kerslake in 2023.