Non-Executive Directors

Bob Walder

Non-Executive Chair

Bob recently retired from a career in Housing: working initially in Moss Side, Manchester; then the Potteries and finally across the Midlands where he was Chief Executive of the Longhurst Group for 26 years. Currently he is on the Board of the ONGO Partnership in Scunthorpe, LACE Housing in Lincoln and chair of the Council of Bishop Grosseteste University, a TEF Gold rated University based in Lincoln.”

James Tully

Non-Executive Director

James is an Operations Manager currently supporting deployment of major change within Royal Mail. He has extensive experience of leading teams in fast moving operational environments and has a track record of decisive and effective delivery of results, with proven capability in challenging environments.

James has a passion for ensuring people are at the heart of everything we do and is extremely proud to be Chair of Saffron’s Remuneration and Nominations Committee and Vice Chair of Saffron Housing Finance Plc.

Barry Duffin

Non-Executive Director

Barry has worked in the house building industry for over 50 years.

He has worked for both local and national developers delivering up to 500 dwellings per year. His ethos has always been “It matters not whether you deliver 10 houses or 500 houses, the quality should always be the same”.

Barry is a District Councillor with South Norfolk Council (SNC), and was Vice Chair from May 2016 to May 2017 and Chairman of SNC from May 2017 until May 2018. He has also served on Ashwellthorpe and Fundenhall Parish Council for over 25 years.

Barry has been a co-optee on the Board since January 2018 and is currently the Vice Chair of Crocus Contractors Ltd.

Thomas Fadden

Non-Executive Director

Tom is a disability equality trainer and consultant based in Norfolk. He has been a saffron tenant since 2013. Working in the 3rd sector for a number of years focusing on disability rights and community inclusion.

Alongside his commercial experience Tom volunteers helping to set up and run independent living groups across Norfolk which are peer support groups for disabled people, their families and personal assistants. In addition, Tom is a trustee of the U.K.’s largest disabled People’s user led organisation.

Alongside this work Tom read Business Management and an MSc in Brand Leadership at the University of East Anglia with this mix of commercial and voluntary experience Tom hopes to make a positive contribution to the governance and strategic direction of saffron housing trust ultimately resulting in much needed social housing being available for many years to come.

Tony Hall

Co-optee

Tony has more than twenty five years’ experience, working at a senior level in social housing and local government. He was appointed Chief Executive at Freebridge Community Housing in 2006 after leading the team through a successful stock transfer.

Key projects include the regeneration of Hillington Square and becoming a Times Top 100 Best Company.

Alan Humphreys

Co-optee

Alan retired in 2017 as Chief Executive of Grand Union Housing Group after 18 year years in the role. He is a qualified accountant with extensive experience of the housing sector, including six years as a housing consultant. During his time as Chief Executive the Association grew from 3,500 properties to over 12,000, consistently achieved a V1 and G1 rating from the HCA and was a Sunday Times top 100 organisation.

Alison Inman

Non-Executive Director

Alison is President of the Chartered Institute of Housing. She is a Board Member at Colne Housing Society, in North Essex, near where she lives. Alison is also on the Board of Tpas, the engagement experts, and is a co-founder of SHOUT, the social housing campaign. Alison is a previous chair of Colchester Borough Homes and the NFA, the trade body for ALMOs.

Mike Jolly

Non-Executive Director

Mike has held a Senior Relationship Manager role with RBS and his extensive experience lies within Risk Management and comprehensive appraisal in a business environment.

Mike is ex-captain of Norwich RFC 2nd XV. He is also an active scout leader and trustee of the largest Sea Scout unit in the UK as well as a member of Reepham Runners running club.

Robert Lankey

Non-Executive Director

Rob is currently Managing Director of a specialist commercial lending business.

During a 30 year career spanning Banks, Building Societies and specialist lenders, Rob has started 3 new lending businesses and developed skills in Risk Management, operations, business growth strategies and leadership.

Rob is also a trustee of a charity providing help to Armenia and has over 16 years experience of being a Board Director of a housing association where he held senior positions in Audit and Finance and Treasury Committees.

Katrina Laud

Senior Independent Director

Katrina runs her own housing consultancy business and also works as a Senior Consultant with Savills. K supports housing associations in governance effectiveness, business strategy, growth, partnership and merger.

Katrina is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing and is joint author of publications on governance, merger and business resilience.

Peggie Phinn

Non-Executive Director

Peggie and her husband live in Wortwell, South Norfolk. She has been a tenant since 2001 and is currently Chair of CAP, (the Customer Advisory Panel). Peggie has been a Non- Executive Director since 2010 and is very keen that tenants should participate in the decision making process.

Duncan Scott

Non-Executive Director

Duncan works as a Support Worker and has been a tenant since 2009. He has been involved with CAP (the Customer Advisory Panel) for three years, having been on the Operational Management Group and is currently treasurer. As a proactive member of CAP Duncan has gained valuable skills and knowledge that he can bring to his role as a Non-Executive Director.