Can a housing association balance care, housing, and affordability in today’s complex landscape?
In this episode, Wendy Evans-Hendrick, Chief Executive of Orwell Housing, shares how embracing diversity and being responsive has shaped their mission to provide seamless care and housing services.
Wendy has dedicated 31 years to Orwell Housing. Under her leadership, Orwell has grown to serve a wide range of communities across Suffolk, southern Norfolk, and parts of Essex.
With a team of 800, Orwell provides a diverse range of housing services, from general needs housing to specialised care and support for vulnerable populations, including older adults, domestic abuse survivors, and those with learning disabilities.
We dive into the challenges and rewards of managing an organisation where care and housing intersect. Wendy discusses the unique advantages of offering integrated landlord and support services, the evolving needs of diverse customer bases, and the importance of recognising and valuing care work in society.
In this episode, we cover:
- What seamless care and housing integration looks like in practice.
- Key lessons and challenges of managing a diverse customer base.
- How Orwell Housing leverages diversity to strengthen its services.
- Why responsiveness and adaptability are essential in today’s housing landscape.
- Where the line is between being a landlord vs a care provider.
- How to balance affordability while delivering high-quality care.
- The impact of undervaluing care roles and why professionalisation matters.
- How to adapt to external pressures, from rent freezes to compliance demands.
- The challenges of balancing fair staff decisions with 24/7 care demands.
- ‘I’m the most worried I’ve ever been,’ Wendy discloses her biggest fear for the sector.
Wendy shares her in-depth understanding of how housing associations can create meaningful, positive change in communities. Tune in to hear her passion for making care and housing seamless, inclusive, and impactful.
LEARN MORE
Orwell Housing – https://www.orwell-housing.co.uk/
Andersen James – https://www.andersenjames.com/
CONNECT
Wendy Evans-Hendrick – https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-evans-hendrick-b3121a58/
James Leighton on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11/
LISTEN
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHMfNs33BK4UTOgaYt3cB
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-hip/id1576686644
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vH1zt3GSm3_B_-OhDSlRg