Andrea Keenoy, an experienced figure within the Housing Ombudsman Service, has been appointed as the Interim Housing Ombudsman. Her tenure in this temporary leadership role is set to commence on 1 August 2026, providing continuity for social housing tenants across the UK. Ms Keenoy currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer and has been an integral part of the organisation since 2015, accumulating over a decade of experience.
The appointment comes as the government begins its search for a permanent Housing Ombudsman to succeed Richard Blakeway, who is scheduled to step down from the role on 31 July 2026. During her time at the service, Ms Keenoy has been instrumental in overseeing significant organisational changes, including its expansion and improvements to the complaint handling process, ensuring a more robust system for residents.
Baroness Taylor, Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government, welcomed the appointment, highlighting Ms Keenoy's crucial role in enhancing the Housing Ombudsman Service. She emphasised that Ms Keenoy's extensive experience as a senior leader will provide much-needed stability and support during the transition period. Baroness Taylor also extended gratitude to Richard Blakeway for his leadership during a period characterised by increasing demand and considerable change within the housing sector.
Upon her appointment, Andrea Keenoy affirmed that her immediate priority would be to ensure stability and continuity for residents, landlords, and her colleagues, while maintaining the high standards of service the organisation provides. She acknowledged Richard Blakeway's significant contributions, particularly in addressing critical issues such as damp and mould, and in standardising complaint handling practices across all landlords.
The Housing Ombudsman acts as an independent body dedicated to investigating complaints from individuals residing in social housing. This includes a wide range of issues, from property repairs and damp to instances of poor treatment by landlords. The service has the authority to mandate actions to rectify these problems, playing a vital role in upholding the rights and living standards of social housing tenants.