The Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team is one of two new non-executive directors at The Property Ombudsman.

Louise Baxter was previously chair of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. As a recognised expert in consumer regulation, fraud and consumer vulnerability, she started the National Trading Standards Scams Team in 2012, providing a service that offers a support system for victims of fraud and scams.  

She was awarded an MBE for protection of vulnerable consumers from financial abuse in 2017.

And she says if her new TPO role: “With all the current landscape developments I couldn’t think of a more exciting time to join.  I am hoping to put my consumer expertise to good use and support the Property Ombudsman in making life a bit easier for consumers.”

Also joining as a non-executive director is Nick Samuels, a former director of expansion at Foxtons. 

He has 20 years’ experience in the property industry and as chair of the Board for a subsidiary of Wiltshire Council, he has been responsible for driving the change management and governance of the business, devising a strategy and plan for the purchase of affordable housing, and overseeing new sites. 

He has also worked with vulnerable communities including homelessness and abusive support to improve the private rental sector within Wiltshire 

He says: “I’m looking forward to the challenges and hope to bring my many years of experience growing businesses to an already successful business.”

Commenting on the appointments, Baroness Diana Warwick – chair of the TPO Board – says: “Louise and Nick … both have extensive and wide-ranging experience which will be of immense value to TPO as the property sector, and specifically the PRS, transitions through once in a generation legislative change to raise standards in the industry and protect consumers from unfair practices.”