A three-strong female team comprising a university professor, charity worker and prison compliance manger have joined the Board of Peterborough-based Nene Housing to help drive forward its vision for growth and expansion.

Pat Higham and Wendy Dyer join another recently appointed female Board member, prison compliance manager Sandhya Sastry, who started at the end of 2006. All three bring a unique range of experiences, skills and interests to help Nene develop and achieve its goals. Nene has a diverse Board drawing membership from residents and local business sectors.

Wendy Dyer, who is a Nene resident and lives in Peterborough, works part time for the Leprosy Mission within rehabilitation administration. She helps those affected by the disease, in countries such as India, sell products they have made to people in other countries to earn a living. In the past she has worked on the administrative side for construction companies, chartered surveyors and estate agents. She has also worked as an advertising executive for several local publications.

"I have been a Nene resident for 20 years and I have been involved in different aspects of the association, such as the Best Value Link team which aims to get best value for residents. I wanted to give something back to Nene and my experience in many aspects of housing and as a resident meant that I can contribute effectively to the Board."

Pat Higham, joined the Board because of her interests in social care. She is an independent consultant in social care and has previously been associate dean of academic planning and quality at Nottingham Trent University and professor of social work and social care. Pat lives in Nottingham where Nene manages over 400 properties.

"Housing associations are very important and schemes such as shared ownership are essential to help some people get a foot on the property ladder," said Pat. "My awareness of social issues, as well as my experience in the past as a shared ownership resident, will mean I will be able to contribute effectively to the running of Nene. I am pleased to have been appointed."

Sandhya Sastry, is the contract compliance and audit manager at the prison in Peterborough. She is passionate about women's rights and has worked in a number of countries including the US, India and Africa. Sandhya, who lives in Peterborough, has had previous experience as a housing association Board member and is also an executive member of the Peterborough Race Equality Council.

Sandhya said: "Since joining the Accent Group Nene has been able to develop and expand. I'm delighted to join the Board at this time and to help contribute to Nene's strategic vision."

Chairman Cliff Walker added: "The new Board members will each contribute greatly to help us achieve our ambitions. Their experience and knowledge will help us to take forward Nene's vision for development and growth."

by Kate James