PlaceShapers welcomes Peabody as a new member
4 November 2025
We’re large, but locally focused - working across 140 neighbourhoods to provide comfortable homes and support strong, successful communities and sustainable places.
PlaceShapers proudly welcomes Peabody to its national network of place-shaping housing organisations.
Ian McDermott, Chief Executive of Peabody, said: “We applied to join PlaceShapers so we can learn, collaborate and connect with others, helping us to continuously improve the way we work in local areas.
“We’re large, but locally focused - working across 140 neighbourhoods to provide comfortable homes and support strong, successful communities and sustainable places. We know each neighbourhood has its own characteristics, and in recent years we’ve put in place measures to get closer to residents and wider networks, including a regional structure, smaller patches and localised repairs services.
“We’re looking forward to connecting with PlaceShapers members, which will help us on our journey as we develop and deepen our effectiveness as a truly place-based organisation in London and surrounding counties.”
Founded in 1862, Peabody looks after 109,000 homes and 220,000 residents across London and the home counties, plus the community centres, play areas, and green spaces that bring these areas to life. Peabody also provides care and support services to around 25,000 customers including specialist accommodation and vital support for people affected by a range of social and health issues.
Matthew Walker, PlaceShapers Chair and Chief Executive of Leeds Federated Housing, said: “The diversity of our members is a huge strength of PlaceShapers. What unites every member is a commitment to place and a commitment to learn.
“Our work is enriched by the broadest spectrum of experience with every member having an equal voice in that. We always welcome applications from organisations who can demonstrate a strategic commitment to place-shaping and a keenness to learn and collaborate. We know Peabody will benefit from being part of our network, but I also know from my visit earlier this year that they have a huge amount to share in return.”
Membership is agreed by the PlaceShapers Board of nine chief executives representing the diversity of our membership. The application is assessed based on the housing organisation demonstrating that it:
-
Has a long-standing commitment to the places it operates and how it strives to improve the social and economic resilience of the communities it works with.
-
Puts residents and customers at the centre of what it does and ensures they have real influence on the organisation.
-
Is locally focused and works actively with local authorities and local partners to improve and shape places at a strategic and operational level.
-
Builds homes that respond to local housing needs and provides more than just landlord services because it cares about the people and places where it works.
About Peabody
Peabody is one of the UK’s oldest and largest not-for-profit housing associations, founded by philanthropist George Peabody in 1862 to help Londoners in need.
We look after 109,000 homes and 220,000 residents across London and the home counties, plus the community centres, play areas, and green spaces that bring these areas to life. We provide residents with reliable landlord services and keep these places well-maintained. We also provide care and support services to around 25,000 customers including specialist accommodation and vital support for people affected by a range of social and health issues.
We’re focused on listening to residents so we can deliver better services and better homes and places. Our local teams work closely with residents, councils and partners to tackle inequality, improve wellbeing and strengthen communities. Alongside this, we’re committed to play our part where we can in building more affordable homes which our communities need. In 2024–25, we spent £431 million in maintaining and improving residents’ homes.