Grenfell-linked director appointed at Barnet Group

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.

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.

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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.