16/04/2026
Welcome back to our ‘Behind the Scenes’ series, where we’re shining a light on our new Leadership team. When you meet Barry Waller, our new Director of Assets, his passion for safe, warm homes comes through straight away. With over 25 years in social housing and nearly four years at HARCA, his new role brings together everything he cares about: residents, safety and long term investment in the homes across our neighbourhoods.
Shaping a safer HARCA, from high‑rises to family homes
Working closely with Paul Dooley as part of our wider Development team, Barry’s role now spans two big areas: our building safety work and our asset investment programme.
On the safety side, he’s building a brand-new Building Safety team who will oversee safety in high-rise buildings, respond to new national regulations and strengthen the quality of the homes we provide.
“We’re building the team from the ground up,” Barry says. “It’s growing quickly, but we’re all learning together and sharing ideas. The energy is positive.”
Meanwhile, the Asset Investment team is preparing major upgrades to older homes – from new roofs and windows to kitchens, bathrooms and insulation.
“We want our homes to be safe, warm and sustainable,” he says. “People deserve warmth, comfort and pride in where they live.”
His team is also focused on energy efficiency, as homes across the country work towards meeting the government’s 2030 Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) target.
“They’re certificates that ensure that we’re delivering better insulation, new windows, solar panels and more.” Barry explains. “It makes homes more efficient and saves residents money.”
Focusing on safety, investment and resident voice
Barry has three clear priorities for the year ahead:
- Putting safety first
We manage 42 high‑rise buildings that need detailed building safety case reports, providing a complete assessment of their fire and structural safety.
“We’ve already secured four building assessment certificates,” he says. “Now we need to work through the rest of the programme.”
- Investing £20 million into our existing homes
Subject to board approval, HARCA plans to invest £20 million in major upgrades across our neighbourhoods.
“It’s a big programme that will make a real difference to our residents’ lives” Barry says.
- Building a team shaped by resident voices
Barry is also developing the new Poplar HARCA Standard, created directly with residents. It will set out what our residents can expect inside their homes – including how often things are replaced, what choices residents can make, and the overall quality of fittings and finishes.
“Residents know what works for them,” he says. “So, we start by listening to them.”
