Wheatley Housing Group — Scotland’s biggest social landlord — on Tuesday announced the appointment of a new chair.
Jo Armstrong has stepped down from the role at Wheatley following the completion of her five-year tenure as chair.
Wheatley confirmed that current board member Caroline Gardner — a former Auditor General for Scotland — will take up the position of chair.
In June, Wheatley Housing Group said it had completed its annual review with S&P Global, the leading credit rating agency, with no change to its rating or outlook.
Wheatley said it has retained its A+ rating with a stable outlook since 2019 “reflecting strong financial management.”
Wheatley Group issued its debut £300 million bond issue into the debt capital markets in 2014 with a coupon of 4.375% through its subsidiary Wheatley Group Capital plc. Wheatley announced a £100 million tap of its existing £300 million bond on 11 March 2025.
Wheatley owns or manages more than 93,000 homes across 19 local authority areas in Scotland.
“Jo first joined the Wheatley Board in 2015,” said Wheatley. “Under Jo’s leadership, Wheatley was named as the biggest builder of social rented homes in the UK, allocated more than 11,000 homes to people experiencing homelessness, and invested hundreds of millions of pounds improving existing homes.”
Armstrong said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Wheatley, and I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together.
“At a time when Scotland faces a housing emergency, Wheatley has played a vital role in supporting the Scottish Government and our local authority partners to provide homes and services for those who need them most.”
Wheatley said: “Caroline, who has been on the Wheatley Board since 2021, brings a wealth of experience in public service, governance and financial leadership.
“She previously served as Auditor General for Scotland and has held senior roles focused on strengthening accountability, transparency and value for money across public services.”
Wheatley CEO Steven Henderson said: “Jo has provided outstanding leadership and support to Wheatley over several years. Her commitment to strong governance and focus on delivering for our customers has been central to our success.
“On behalf of everyone at Wheatley, I would like to thank Jo for her dedication and the huge contribution she has made.
“We are also delighted to welcome Caroline as our new Chair. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable as we move into the first year of our new five-year strategy to deliver even more for our tenants and communities.”
Wheatley added: “Caroline has served on the Wheatley Board since 2021 and brings significant experience in public service, governance and financial leadership.
“She was Auditor General for Scotland from 2012 to 2020, with responsibility for auditing the Scottish Government and reporting to the Scottish Parliament on more than £40 billion of public expenditure.
“Caroline is an experienced non-executive director, and she is currently Chair of PwC UK’s Audit Oversight Body. She is a Fellow and past President of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and an honorary professor at the University of Glasgow.
“She also holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Strathclyde.
“As Chair, Caroline will support the delivery of Wheatley’s new five-year strategy and the Group’s continued focus on making homes and lives better, raising standards, strengthening communities and delivering for the people who rely on its services.”
In March 2026, Wheatley announced trading results for the six months to September 30, 2025, showing turnover was £256.6 million, up from £234.5 million for the same period in the prior year.