Homelessness charity Alabaré appoints Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory as chairman
Sir Andrew’s leadership comes at a vital time for the charity’s mission
Wiltshire-based homelessness charity Alabaré has officially appointed Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory KBE CB DL as its chairman.
Sir Andrew joined the charity as a trustee in July 2025 and has spent the last six months working with outgoing chairman Malcolm Cassells on the leadership transition.
The appointment brings significant military and charitable sector experience to Alabaré, including Sir Andrew’s previous role as CEO of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
His arrival as chairman coincides with critical challenges for the homelessness sector in the UK, including record levels of homelessness, the publication of the Government’s homelessness strategy, and increasing financial pressures linked to the cost-of-living crisis.
A new focus for ALABARÉ
Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to bring legislative changes that could impact homelessness, such as the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill and the repeal of the Vagrancy Act, which will decriminalise rough sleeping.
Speaking about his appointment, Sir Andrew said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of chairman at ALABARÉ, ready to embrace an exciting time while continuing in our mission to break the cycle of homelessness.
“I’ve been getting to know the services, colleagues and volunteers across the charity over the last six months, and I’m excited to help them expand their reach and increase the impact of their work even further.
“A real focus for Alabaré going into the New Year will be around highlighting the intrinsic links between mental health and homelessness, and how our services, including those for young people, veterans and people with learning disabilities, aim to support clients through those issues and into a choice-led independent future."
Sir Andrew praised departing the chairman for his work over the years with the charity.
“It is an honour to take over from Malcolm Cassells, who has served Alabaré superbly during his tenure; his leadership has been pivotal to the growth of the charity’s services.”
The role of trustees at ALABARÉ
The chairman and board members at Alabaré volunteer their time to guide the charity’s mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness and ensuring long-term positive impacts within the sector.
The board contributes strategic oversight, upholds the charity’s values of care, compassion, honesty, and respect, and shapes its future.
Malcolm Cassells leaves the role of chairman after six years but has been involved with Alabaré for a almost two decades, after joining in 2008.
Reflecting on his time with the charity, he said: “It has been a privilege to have been a small part of the Alabaré story over my time.
“The strength of the board makes it an ideal time to leave, and I know my successor, Sir Andrew Gregory, will ensure the story continues and grows.
“I believe the future is an exciting one for Alabaré, helping many thousands of clients in the years ahead, and I’d like to thank the Board and colleagues for their unwavering support during my tenure.”