Tributes paid to housing veteran Hattie Llewelyn-Davies

She was subsequently appointed designate chair of Chime Housing, the new organisation formed at the start of June through the merger of Watford Community Housing and Thrive Homes. 

The merger, which was agreed in March 2026, brought together more than 13,500 homes across Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. Ms Llewelyn-Davies played an important role in shaping this partnership, bringing her experience of community gateway models and her strong focus on resident voice and service improvement. 

During her career she served as chief executive of Sitra Services (1986-88), a membership group of practitioners in housing with care and support; regional director at Circle 33 Housing Trust (1988-91); and chief executive of Shepherds Bush Housing Group (1992-96). 

Ms Llewelyn-Davies held several key board roles across housing, including as governor of Peabody, and chair of Viridian Housing (2006-12) and PA Housing (2018-21). She also held senior roles across the NHS over almost three decades.

Ms Llewelyn-Davies was a strong and consistent advocate for closer working between housing and health. She also spoke openly about her own experience of disability, through living with autoimmune conditions, using her voice to challenge stigma and push for greater understanding and representation, particularly in leadership roles. 

Gail Shadlock, board member and senior independent director at Eastlight Community Homes, said: “Hattie was an extraordinary person – passionate, principled and completely dedicated to housing association residents and NHS patients. 

“She was generous, calm, thoughtful and deeply intelligent – an expert who brought others with her and made people feel they could step forward and lead. She was absolutely clear that people with lived experience must be at the heart of governance and decision-making, shaping not just what organisations do, but how they think and act.” 

Ms Shadlock added: “She was a one-off, with a rare combination of humanity, clarity and determination. After a career spanning more than five decades, she still had the energy, ambition and drive to do more – to go further in improving the lives of others, including all of us who had the privilege and pleasure of working alongside her. 

“She will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with Hattie’s children and grandchildren, and with all those who knew and worked with her, and we will be sharing further tributes in the coming weeks and months.” 

Tina Barnard, chief executive of Watford Community Housing, said: “Hattie was an incredible friend, and a remarkable colleague to everyone who was lucky enough to work with her. Her many achievements speak for themselves, driven by her kindness, her belief in fairness and dignity, and her commitment to giving a voice to those who need it most.

“Over the last year, Hattie was instrumental in the merger between Thrive Homes and Watford Community Housing, bringing incredible vision and passion to the partnership, and she believed deeply in the benefits that a larger community gateway housing association will deliver for residents.

“She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy through the work she did, the organisations she helped to shape for the better, and the many lives she touched.”

Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, paid her tribute.

“Hattie was deeply committed to the social purpose of housing and made a significant contribution to the governance and leadership of the housing associations she chaired and the wider sector,” she said.

“She also brought a deep commitment to public service through her work with the NHS. It is clear that her leadership and dedication positively impacted many people over the years. Those who worked with Hattie will remember her for her insight, generosity, and the strength of her commitment to others.”

Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: “My deepest condolences to Hattie’s family, friends and colleagues. Hattie was a real force for good and a thoughtful and inspirational leader. She was a powerful advocate for housing and equally influential in the health sector. She’ll be greatly missed.”

Kelsey Walker, director at Savills Affordable Housing Consultancy, said: “Hattie was coming to the end of her tenure at Eastlight but continued to lead from the front, with compassion and good judgement.

“Hattie has steered a number of organisations through challenges and success and made tenants central to decision-making. Her contribution was enormous and she will be missed.”