First Choice Homes Oldham Welcomes New Directors King-Vogel, Rigby 

Key Points

• First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has appointed Collette King-Vogel and Gareth Rigby as new non-executive directors, each serving a three-year term on the board.
• Collette King-Vogel, an affiliate member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, will chair the People and Governance Committee.
• She brings significant senior leadership experience in social housing, most recently as director of people and performance at Chester Race Company.
• Gareth Rigby will join the Investment and Development Committee and currently serves as executive director of customers, place and services at Weaver Vale Housing Trust.
• He possesses extensive experience in housing.
• Amanda Harris, chair of FCHO, welcomed the appointments, highlighting their wealth of experience to support the chief executive and team amid plans to build at least 600 more homes and improve existing stock.
• A strong board with diverse skills is crucial for FCHO’s ambitions.
• Additionally, Scott Rutherford has been named an independent committee member of the Investment and Development Committee.
• Mr Rutherford is chief property and regeneration officer at Orbit Group, overseeing more than 47,000 homes.

Oldham (Manchester Mirror) February 04, 2026- First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), a leading social housing provider in the region, has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of two new non-executive directors. Collette King-Vogel and Gareth Rigby will each serve three-year terms, bringing fresh expertise to the board as the organisation pushes forward with ambitious housing development plans.

Who Are the New Directors Appointed by First Choice Homes Oldham?

Collette King-Vogel emerges as a key figure in this development. An affiliate member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, she will take on the role of chair for the People and Governance Committee. Her background underscores her suitability for the position.

As reported in coverage of the announcement, Miss King-Vogel brings significant senior leadership experience in social housing. Most recently, she served as director of people and performance at Chester Race Company. This role equipped her with deep insights into operational excellence and people management within complex organisations.

Gareth Rigby complements this appointment with his own robust credentials. He will join the Investment and Development Committee. Mr Rigby currently holds the position of executive director of customers, place and services at Weaver Vale Housing Trust. His extensive experience in housing positions him to contribute meaningfully to strategic growth initiatives.

What Experience Do Collette King-Vogel and Gareth Rigby Bring to FCHO?

The appointments signal a strategic enhancement for FCHO’s governance. Collette King-Vogel’s tenure at Chester Race Company involved steering people and performance strategies in a high-stakes environment. This experience translates directly to social housing challenges, where effective leadership in human resources and governance is paramount.

Gareth Rigby’s role at Weaver Vale Housing Trust involves overseeing customer services, place-making, and operational services. His expertise spans the full spectrum of housing management, from tenant engagement to development projects. These skills align seamlessly with FCHO’s forward-looking objectives.

What Did FCHO Chair Amanda Harris Say About the Appointments?

Amanda Harris, chair of FCHO, expressed strong enthusiasm for the new board members. She stated: “We’re delighted to welcome Collette and Gareth to their non-executive director roles.”

Harris elaborated further: “I know they will be a great addition to our board and they both bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise to help us support the chief executive and his team.”

She contextualised the timing: “This is an exciting time for FCHO as we look to build at least 600 more homes in the years to come and improve our existing stock.”

Harris emphasised the board’s role: “To help meet these ambitions a board with a wide range of skills is crucial.”

These statements, drawn directly from the official announcement, underscore the strategic intent behind the hires.

Who Is the New Independent Committee Member at FCHO?

In addition to the director appointments, Scott Rutherford has been named an independent committee member of the Investment and Development Committee. This move further strengthens FCHO’s capacity in property and regeneration.

Mr Rutherford serves as chief property and regeneration officer at Orbit Group. In this capacity, he is responsible for more than 47,000 homes. His oversight of such a vast portfolio brings unparalleled insights into large-scale housing regeneration and investment strategies.

Why Are These Appointments Crucial for FCHO’s Future Plans?

FCHO operates in a dynamic social housing sector facing pressures from housing shortages and regeneration needs in Oldham and surrounding areas. The organisation’s goal to construct at least 600 additional homes demands robust governance and specialised knowledge.

Collette King-Vogel’s leadership in people and governance will ensure committee oversight aligns with best practices. Gareth Rigby’s investment focus will guide development funding and projects. Scott Rutherford’s independent perspective on the same committee adds impartial expertise in property management.

Amanda Harris’s comments highlight how this diverse board will support the chief executive in delivering on these ambitions. The three-year terms provide stability for long-term planning.

How Does FCHO’s Expansion Align with Regional Housing Needs?

Oldham, like many UK towns, grapples with affordable housing demands. FCHO’s commitment to building 600 more homes addresses this directly. Improving existing stock ensures sustainable tenancy and community regeneration.

The new appointees’ backgrounds in social housing—from Chester Race Company’s performance leadership to Weaver Vale’s customer services and Orbit Group’s vast operations—position FCHO to navigate regulatory, financial, and operational hurdles effectively.

What Is the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Role in These Appointments?

Collette King-Vogel’s status as an affiliate member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) adds professional credibility. The CIH is the UK’s leading voice for housing professionals, promoting excellence in policy, practice, and education. Her affiliation signals adherence to sector standards.

Background on FCHO and Its Operations in Oldham

First Choice Homes Oldham manages thousands of properties, providing affordable homes and support services. Headquartered in Oldham, it plays a vital role in local regeneration. These board enhancements come at a pivotal moment, aligning leadership with growth targets.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust, Gareth Rigby’s current employer, is a respected North West provider known for innovative place-making. Orbit Group, Scott Rutherford’s base, is one of the UK’s largest housing associations.

Chester Race Company, Collette King-Vogel’s recent role, offers a unique blend of commercial leadership applicable to housing’s performance metrics.

Implications for Oldham’s Housing Landscape

These appointments could accelerate FCHO’s delivery of new homes, easing pressures on local waiting lists. The emphasis on committees like People and Governance, Investment and Development ensures balanced decision-making.

As Oldham evolves, FCHO’s strengthened board positions it as a leader in social housing innovation.