Grenfell-linked director appointed at Barnet Group
Laura Johnson, formerly of Kensington and Chelsea Council, takes permanent role at Barnet's housing arm.
Trust 70Craft 75Hype 45How this was reported ▾
The central claim is attributed to Barnet Council and quotes from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and Grenfell United.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
The reporting clearly separates facts from the council's response and includes details about the recruitment process.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
The headline is attention-grabbing but the article provides a balanced account of the appointment.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
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Laura Johnson, who held a senior housing position at Kensington and Chelsea Council during the Grenfell Tower fire, has been appointed to a permanent role as group director of development and property at The Barnet Group. The Barnet Group is the council-owned company responsible for Barnet Homes, which manages over 14,000 council-owned properties across the borough.
Johnson served as director of housing at Kensington and Chelsea Council from 2009 until June 2017, the month the fire at Grenfell Tower claimed 72 lives. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry later criticised her involvement in decisions concerning the tower's cladding and fire doors. The inquiry heard that Johnson had intervened to request retendering of works on the tower due to high costs. The company that subsequently won the contract replaced metal cladding with combustible plastic panels.
Hendon MP welcomes departure of Grenfell-linked housing boss
Laura Johnson, previously criticised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, has left her role at The Barnet Group.
Inquiry Findings
The public inquiry also heard that Johnson had delayed the installation of self-closing fire doors at Grenfell for financial and practical reasons. Barnet Council stated that Johnson, who the inquiry found did not give sufficient weight to safety advice from the London Fire Brigade before the fire, was appointed to the permanent role at The Barnet Group on merit, being the strongest candidate.
The position was advertised on Guardian Jobs, with over 100 individuals clicking to apply before the closing date of 7 June. Final interviews were scheduled for 1 July. The advertisement promoted the role as an exciting opportunity within a company that has experienced growth and innovation, offering an annual salary of up to £157,078, dependent on experience.
Barnet Council in talks to raise council tax above 5% limit
The authority faces a £200 million budget deficit over three years, driven by social care and housing costs.
Council Response
A spokesperson for Barnet Council addressed questions regarding Johnson's permanent appointment. They stated the role was publicly advertised and attracted a competitive field of candidates. The council confirmed a robust recruitment process was conducted, assessing applicants against the role's requirements, and that Johnson was appointed on merit as the strongest candidate.
The council also highlighted that Barnet Homes received a C1 grading, the highest possible rating for social housing landlords, from the Regulator of Social Housing following an inspection in 2025. The council stated Johnson played an intrinsic role in securing this rating, placing Barnet Homes among the top social housing providers in London. The regulator's judgement recognised the council and Barnet Homes' understanding of property conditions and their steps to comply with health and safety requirements.
Barnet Council added that their thoughts remain with those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire and that the safety and wellbeing of their residents is their top priority. They declined to discuss matters relating to staff members from previous employment.
Questions this report answers
+Who is Laura Johnson and what is her new role?
Laura Johnson is the newly appointed group director of development and property at The Barnet Group. She previously served as director of housing at Kensington and Chelsea Council, a role she held during the time of the Grenfell Tower fire.
+What was the salary for the position?
The position of group director of development and property at The Barnet Group was advertised with an annual salary of up to £157,078, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
+How did Barnet Council justify the appointment?
Barnet Council stated that Laura Johnson was appointed on merit as the strongest candidate following a robust recruitment process for the publicly advertised role. They also highlighted her role in securing a C1 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing for Barnet Homes.
Barnet Press News Desk
This article was written at the Barnet Press news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
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