NORTHAMPTONSHIRE RHA - Key Persons
Darren is Chair of the Association.
Darren qualified as an accountant 20 years ago, and has worked for the last 14 of those in public sector audit, working across local government, the NHS and central government. He currently provides consultancy services reviewing and advising on internal controls and performance across the NHS and NHS Wales.
Other than for a two year stint in New Zealand, Darren has always lived in Northamptonshire, with the first part of his life residing in social housing. He thinks that affordable social housing has a vital role to play in today's society, but can see that role is coming under increasing pressures. He is keen to help ensure that NRHA maintains its important role in providing affordable housing to help people stay in rural communities that they either live or work in.
Darren also sits as an independent member of the Audit Committee of an NHS Clinical Commissioning Group in Lincolnshire, and enjoys cycling and writing.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Housing Services Manager
Following an MSc/Diploma in Housing from the London School of Economics, Ed has specialised in homelessness, housing advice, and housing management for both local authority and registered providers in London and the Midlands.
He joined the Association in 2005.
Elaine was appointed in September 2019 to serve as the representative for Northamptonshire ACRE (Action for Communities in Rural England).
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Communications and Engagement Manager
Jo joined the team in September 2020.
She oversees all our customer, staff and stakeholder engagement.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Development Services Manager
Neil has over 15 years' experience in the social housing sector, with the last 13 years spent in the specialist area of affordable rural housing development.
With a passion for delivering high-quality, innovative homes, Neil oversees all our new developments. His experience and knowledge ensure our developments are leading the way in providing greener, warmer and more energy efficient homes.
Job Titles:
- Head of Communications
- Member of the National Housing Federation 's National Influencing
Nicki is Head of Communications and Engagement for Nottingham Community Housing Association - overseeing all communication, PR, marketing and digital activities for the organisation.
Nicki is a member of the National Housing Federation's National Influencing and Communications Group - supporting sector wide stakeholder strategies and communication campaigns.
Nicki joined the board in July 2023.
Pam has two daughters, seven grandchildren as well as two great grandchildren. She has personal previous experience of inadequate housing and homelessness as well as some run-ins with bad private landlords in the days just post-Rachmanism, so comes with much experience of fighting for her rights.
Pam became a tenant of NRHA in September 1994. In 1999 Pam was elected to Daventry District Council as Clipston ward councillor serving six villages in this area and, naturally, with a particular interest in housing and planning. Pam served as a vice chairman of housing before the stock transfer and was a joint chair of the stock transfer scrutiny panel, and acted as a district councillor representative on the NRHA Board during this period. She stood down from DDC in May 2012 to pursue other interests.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Project Delivery Manager
Philippa brings almost 20 years' experience of working in the housing sector to Midlands Rural Housing.
A specialist in all areas of housing management, development and construction, Philippa is passionate about making sure that high quality and well designed affordable housing is available to all those who need it most, particularly in rural areas.
She is professionally qualified, and a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Job Titles:
- Company Secretary
- Member of the Management Team
Richard has significant knowledge and experience of strategic partnerships, policy shaping and key service delivery in rural housing.
Richard oversees the delivery of rurally focused development, housing management, maintenance and customer care services to the Association.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Customer and Business Support Manager
Sue has dealt with customer services within the housing sector for more than two decades.
She manages a small Customer Care team and deals with complaints.
Teresa is a Business Manager, with more than 20 years' experience in financial services and IT, mainly working in London.
She has personal and family experience of the difficulties in accessing to rural housing and joined the Board in 2017 with the aim of using her business skills to support the Association in providing a valuable service to the Northamptonshire rural community.
Wendy joined the Board in March 2018.
Wendy originally trained as a Chartered Accountant and has been working on a self employed basis for over twenty years, and has strong commercial experience. She has a strong interest in energy efficiency of buildings, and qualified as a domestic energy assessor. She is now also a foster carer.
Wendy moved to a village in Northamptonshire over 20 years ago. She has spent time on the Parish Council of the village, as well as being a school Governor and many years as Treasurer of the village Tennis Club.
She is a strong believer in affordable housing for all and is keen to help the NRHA sustain its vital role in helping people to live in rural communities
Wes joined the Board of NRHA in 2018.
Following a 12 year career in senior commercial roles for a German automotive manufacturer, Wes turned his love for all things property into his profession as a self-employed property investor.
Starting with a self-build in 2009, Wes has since been passionate about property and prides himself on providing quality and safe homes.
Wes is keen to support the development of NRHA to build more affordable homes that enable people to continue to enjoy their rural communities.
Wes has lived in Northamptonshire his whole life and now enjoys being a hands on father to his two young daughters. Wes also volunteers for the NSPCC.