English Rural’s success is the result of our hard working and highly skilled team of staff.
Martin Collett has worked in the rural housing sector for around 20 years. He is a Corporate Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and a University of London graduate. Martin is the former Chair of the Rural Housing Alliance. He serves as a Trustee for the Plunkett Foundation, a rural community business charity, and for akt, an LGBT+ youth homelessness charity. Martin is also a Director of the Rural Services Network. He brings extensive experience in rural housing issues and a commitment to developing affordable homes in rural communities.
Karen Eagles joined English Rural in 2008 as Governance and Executive Support Manager. She provides support to the Senior Management Team and handles business administration tasks. Karen also serves as English Rural’s Company Secretary. Her background includes roles in the financial sector at a high street bank and as a Personal Assistant at an international company. She also gained experience working in Political Offices at the London Borough of Brent. Karen’s diverse professional background contributes to her effective management of English Rural’s governance and executive support functions.
David Barrowcliff joined English Rural in 2019 and is now Head of Communications. He has over 20 years of experience in the media sector, mostly at WPP within Millward Brown and Kantar Media. David brings expertise in communications measurement and social media to his role at English Rural. He is responsible for managing the organisation’s communications strategy and raising awareness of rural housing issues. David works to effectively communicate English Rural’s mission and achievements to stakeholders and the public.
James Crawford-Smith joined English Rural as Communications and Administrative Officer in October 2024. Previously a Royal Reporter at Newsweek, he brings extensive experience in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement. His background includes roles at Historic Royal Palaces, where he managed interdepartmental communications and coordinated major exhibitions at Kensington Palace, and The Lady Magazine, where he served as Fashion Editor. James holds a Master’s degree with Distinction in Museum Studies from University College London.
Rory Weal is a public affairs professional with over seven years of experience in the social impact sector. At English Rural, he leads on rural homelessness policy. Rory is also a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager at The Trussell Trust, focusing on campaigns to end poverty. He previously held roles at St Mungo’s, Rethink Mental Illness and completed a policy internship in the House of Commons. In 2019, Rory was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to research food insecurity. He is committed to creating systemic change through evidence-based policy, advocacy and partnerships.
Richard DeVille joined English Rural in 2022 as Development Director. He plays a key role in delivering the organisation’s growth and environmental goals. Richard brings extensive experience from previous positions as Head of Development at Hightown Housing Association and Housing Zone Programme Manager at Enfield Council. He is responsible for overseeing English Rural’s development programme, focusing on increasing the delivery of affordable rural homes. Richard works to implement sustainable development practices and ensure projects meet local community needs.
Nick Hughes is the Regional Development Manager for Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire. He joined English Rural in 2008 after working as Housing Development Manager at Guildford Borough Council. Nick’s extensive knowledge of rural Surrey and its affordable housing issues informs his work. He is responsible for identifying and progressing new development opportunities in his regions. Nick is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and brings valuable experience in local authority housing to his role at English Rural.
Wendy Farrell joined English Rural in 2023 as a Development Project Manager. She brings extensive project delivery and design experience from her previous role as Design Coordinator with a Hertfordshire-based main works contractor. Wendy has also delivered affordable housing schemes for Fairhive Homes in Buckinghamshire. She understands the unique opportunities and challenges of rural exception schemes. Wendy is responsible for managing housing development projects from inception to completion, ensuring they meet quality standards and budget constraints.
Kathryn Harrison joined English Rural in 2006 and is now Resident Services Director. She leads all aspects of resident services, including repairs and maintenance, compliance, asset management, and sales and lettings. Kathryn has around 20 years of experience in the social housing sector. She is responsible for ensuring high-quality services for English Rural residents and overseeing the maintenance and improvement of the organisation’s housing stock. Kathryn is a Corporate Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Charlotte Priebe joined English Rural in 2022 as Customer Services Manager. She previously worked as Customer Service Team Manager for a large housing association, managing complex cases. Charlotte also has experience in the leisure industry managing sales and memberships. In her current role, she is responsible for overseeing English Rural’s customer service operations, ensuring residents receive high-quality support and timely responses to queries. Charlotte focuses on enhancing customer satisfaction and implementing service improvements.
Janette Spence joined English Rural in 2012 as a Repairs and Maintenance Manager and is now Asset and Compliance Manager. She oversees English Rural’s planned investment in homes and all compliance-related issues. Janette previously worked as a Contract Administrator for a heating and installation company. In her current role, she is responsible for ensuring English Rural’s properties meet all safety and regulatory standards, as well as planning and implementing long-term maintenance and improvement programmes for the housing stock.
Tom Sandy joined English Rural after working for a large regional local authority as a Building Surveyor. He holds a BTEC Level 3 in Civil Engineering and a first-class degree in Building Surveying. Tom has experience in renewable technology implementation and design. In his role, he is responsible for conducting property surveys, identifying necessary repairs and maintenance work, and overseeing their completion. Tom works to ensure English Rural’s properties are well-maintained and meet high standards of quality and safety.
Andy Farrar joined English Rural in 2021 as Repairs & Maintenance Surveyor. He brings 12 years of experience in repairs, maintenance, asset management and property investment from roles in local authorities and a housing association. Andy is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). He has a track record of improving customer satisfaction in repairs and maintenance services. Andy is responsible for inspecting properties, identifying repair needs, and ensuring maintenance work is carried out efficiently and to a high standard.
Steve Fusco recently joined English Rural after managing a large voids team at Bromford Housing Association for six years. He previously worked as a Project Manager for residential insurance claims, primarily dealing with subsidence. Steve has 20 years of experience working with local authorities, housing associations and a facilities management company. In his role, he conducts property inspections, identifies repair and maintenance needs, and oversees the completion of work to ensure English Rural’s properties are well-maintained and meet all necessary standards.
Graham Mann joined English Rural in 2020 and is now Repairs & Maintenance Surveyor, having previously worked in our Development Team as Development Design Manager. He has an architectural background with 24 years of experience specialising in residential design, particularly rural exception sites. Graham has been involved in several English Rural schemes over the years. He is responsible for overseeing the design aspects of new developments, ensuring they meet high standards and fit well within rural settings. Graham is an Associate member of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers.
Jade Clark joined English Rural in 2015 and became a permanent staff member in 2016 as Housing Services Administrator. She was appointed Regional Housing Manager in 2017 and Senior Regional Housing Manager in 2023. Jade previously worked in retail for six years. In her current role, she oversees housing management services in her region, ensuring high-quality support for residents. Jade is responsible for tenancy management, rent collection, and addressing any housing-related issues that arise in her area.
Kelly Vanderson joined English Rural in 2023 as a Housing Manager, bringing over 17 years of experience in the housing sector. She began her career as an Anti-Social Behaviour Officer with a local authority in 2006, later becoming a Housing Officer. Kelly has worked in various roles across local authorities and housing associations. In her current position, she manages housing services in her region, overseeing tenancies, addressing resident concerns, and ensuring properties are well-maintained and meet all necessary standards.
Luke Versteeg joined English Rural in 2012 as Housing Services Administrator and is now a Regional Housing Manager covering Kent, Sussex, and parts of Surrey. He holds a master’s degree in Geography from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand and is pursuing qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Housing. Luke is responsible for managing housing services in his region, including tenancy management, rent collection, and addressing resident queries. He works to ensure high-quality housing services for English Rural residents in his area.
With over 12 years’ experience in social housing, Tom has built a career dedicated to supporting communities. Beginning as a Project Worker at a Gloucestershire-based homelessness charity, he progressed to become a Housing Officer in 2015. After completing his Housing studies at Plymouth University, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Housing, Tom assumed the role of Housing Manager at a small housing association in 2019. He is passionate about delivering excellence in housing management services, with a steadfast commitment to professionalism and resident satisfaction.
Terri Browning joined English Rural in 2017 as a part-time Services Assistant, becoming full-time later that year. She was recently appointed Sales & Lettings Manager. Terri previously worked in childcare and teaching for eight years. In her current role, she oversees the sales and lettings processes for English Rural’s properties, ensuring smooth transactions and positive experiences for new residents. Terri is responsible for managing property viewings, processing applications, and coordinating the allocation of homes to eligible residents.
Michelle Groom joined English Rural in 2022 after taking a career break to raise her family. She previously worked in HR roles in the UK and Asia. Michelle works part-time as the Sales and Lettings Administrator, handling the day-to-day administration for all sales and lettings. Her responsibilities include processing applications, coordinating property viewings, and assisting with the paperwork involved in property transactions. Michelle helps ensure a smooth process for residents moving into English Rural properties.
Alena Morris joined English Rural in 2023 as Senior Customer Services Advisor. She previously worked in customer service for a major housing association, where she trained new staff and guided colleagues. Alena also has five years of experience in the care sector, where she was a team leader emphasising person-centred service delivery. In her current role, she leads the customer service team, ensuring high-quality support for English Rural residents. Alena focuses on resolving queries efficiently and maintaining positive relationships with residents.
Dawn Cridland joined English Rural in 2014 as a Repairs and Maintenance Officer. She previously worked as a Contract Administrator for a local central heating company for over seven years. Dawn brings extensive knowledge of repairs and maintenance within the heating industry to her role. As a Customer Services Advisor, she handles resident queries, particularly those related to repairs and maintenance. Dawn works to ensure residents receive timely and effective responses to their property-related concerns.
Dee Charles joined English Rural in 2021, bringing experience in real estate customer relations and private lettings from the UK and USA. She previously had a long-term career with The Royal National Institute for the Blind, providing frontline services and managing their international publication service. Dee holds a degree in Business Studies. As a Customer Services Advisor, she handles resident queries and provides support across various aspects of housing services. Dee is committed to delivering high-quality customer service to English Rural residents.
Erika Francis joined English Rural in 2023 as a part-time Customer Service Advisor. She brings nine years of experience in kitchen and joinery design, which has honed her attention to detail and customer service skills. In her role, Erika handles resident queries, provides information about English Rural’s services, and helps resolve any issues that arise. She focuses on delivering empathetic and effective customer service, drawing on her background in design to understand and meet residents’ needs.
Eddie Smy joined English Rural as Finance Director, bringing experience from roles at Cross Keys Homes and Santander. He leads the finance function, focusing on treasury, risk management, budgeting, and financial planning. Eddie plays a crucial role in supporting English Rural’s growth ambitions and maintaining strong financial stewardship. He works to ensure the organisation remains on a sound financial footing, sustaining its financial resilience and supporting the achievement of its strategic goals. Eddie is committed to upholding English Rural’s strong social purpose.
Ferdi Lachica joined English Rural in 2002 as an Accounts Assistant and was promoted to Finance Manager in 2014. He is responsible for preparing management accounts, cash management, maintaining the fixed asset register, and producing year-end financial schedules for the Group. Ferdi also manages the day-to-day operations of the Finance Team. His long-standing experience with English Rural contributes to efficient financial management and reporting within the organisation.
Lorna Murdoch joined English Rural in 2008 and is now Accounts Supervisor. She oversees the organisation’s transactional accounting, including rents, purchase ledger, sales ledger, and cashbooks. Lorna previously worked as a Finance Assistant at Stonham Housing Association. In her current role, she ensures accurate and efficient processing of financial transactions, contributing to the overall financial management of English Rural. Lorna’s experience in social housing finance supports her work in maintaining robust accounting practices.
Joanne Binks joined English Rural as Management Accountant, bringing over 20 years of experience in finance. She has worked in property development finance with Surrey-based developers and as a Management Accountant for a FinTech company. Joanne is responsible for financial analysis, budgeting, and producing management reports to support decision-making. She contributes to English Rural’s financial planning and helps ensure the organisation’s financial health. Outside of work, Joanne enjoys pottery and painting.
Meti Hysenaj joined English Rural as a Finance Assistant, bringing experience from various roles in the finance sector. He holds a degree in banking and finance. In his role, Meti supports the Finance Team with day-to-day accounting tasks, financial reporting, and data analysis. He contributes to maintaining accurate financial records and assisting with budgeting processes. Meti’s background in finance helps ensure efficient financial operations at English Rural. Outside of work, he enjoys theatre and outdoor activities like football and hiking.
Hawazen Hamzeh joined English Rural as a temporary staff member in 2022 and became permanent in 2023. She previously worked as a Finance Administrator Assistant at the Nursing and Midwifery Council. In her current role, Hawazen manages purchase and invoice accounts and provides support to the wider Finance Team. She contributes to maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring smooth financial operations. Hawazen’s experience in financial management supports her work in maintaining efficient accounting processes at English Rural.
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