Meet the board

Darren is Chair of the Association.

Darren qualified as an accountant over 25 years ago, and has worked for the last 20 years specialising in public sector assurance. He currently works in the Professional Standards Department of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Rachel joined the board in March 2024.

Rachel is the Regional Planning Manager (Midlands and South West) for the Home Builders Federation and has worked in many parts of the housing world throughout her career.

Sue joined the board in March 2024.