Our People
Behind every good service are dedicated people who care deeply about what they do. Our team continues to go above and beyond to deliver safe, high-quality homes and responsive services for residents across our rural communities.
This year, we’ve focused on building a positive, supportive workplace culture that helps staff do their best work. We simplified our appraisal process, strengthened internal communication, and invested in professional development so colleagues have the skills and confidence to provide excellent service.
We’re also proud of the results from our latest staff survey - 96% of colleagues said they would recommend English Rural as a great place to work. That commitment and pride are what drive the personal, respectful and reliable service our residents experience every day.
Equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) remain a core part of how we work. Following an external review, we’ve established a dedicated working group to make sure every colleague and resident feels valued, supported and able to contribute fully.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do – their dedication and professionalism make it possible for us to keep improving homes, services and communities across rural England.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
1 96% of staff recommend English Rural as a great place to work.
2 We launched a simplified appraisal approach (refining it with staff feedback), strengthened internal communications, and invested in professional qualifications.
3 An externally facilitated Equality, Diversity & Inclusion review is being implemented by an internal working group.
ROYAL PATRON: HRH The Princess RoyalHONORARY PRESIDENT: Sir Peter DixonBOARD:Mark Pragnell: ChairHenry Lee: Vice ChairPhilip O'Dwyer: Chair (Audit & Risk Committee) & Member Responsible for ComplaintsGraham Oliver: Chair (Finance & Resources Committee)Jessie Banach & Jenny Jackson: Resident Board Members & Lead Board Members for Resident EngagementSimon Hughes: Board MemberConan McKinley: Board MemberRebecca Murphy: Board MemberAvril Roberts: Board MemberMark Webster: Board MemberRob Glendinning: Board Member (on sabbatical)Monica Burns, Sarah Nield & Hilary Whipp: Resigned during the yearCHIEF EXECUTIVE'S OFFICE:Martin Collett: Chief ExecutiveDavid Barrowcliff: Head of CommunicationsKaren Eagles: Governance & Executive Support ManagerJames Crawford-Smith: Communications & Admin Support Officer
RESIDENT SERVICES TEAM:Kathryn Harrison: Resident Services DirectorJade Clark: Senior Housing ManagerHousing Managers: Tom Coggins, Nina Hoole & Luke VersteegCharlotte Priebe: Customer Services ManagerAlena Morris: Senior Customer Services AdvisorCustomer Service Advisors: Dee Charles, Dawn Cridland & Erika FrancisLucinda Brassey: Resident Services Co-ordinatorMatthew Gandy: Resident Services AssistantTom Sandy: Senior Repairs & Maintenance SurveyorRepairs & Maintenance Surveyors: Andy Farrar, Steve Fusco & Graham MannBlaize Rhodes: Stock Condition SurveyorJanette Spence: Asset & Compliance ManagerTerri Browning: Sales & Lettings ManagerMichelle Groom: Sales & Lettings Administrator
DEVELOPMENT TEAM:Richard DeVille: Development DirectorNick Hughes: Regional Development ManagerWendy Farrell: Development Project ManagerEmily Mulvaney: Development Project Manager
CO-OPTED COMMITTEE MEMBERS:Group Audit & Risk Committee:Alistair Nappin (Independent Member)
Group Finance & Resources Committee:Claire Morris FCPFA (Independent Member)
FINANCE TEAM:Eddie Smy: Finance DirectorFerdi Lachica: Finance ManagerLorna Murdoch: Accounts SupervisorJoanne Binks: Management AccountantMeti Hysenaj: Finance AssistantHawazen Hamzeh: Accounts Assistant
