Independent East

Independent East are an informal alliance of five community-focused housing associations in the East of England.

Independent East are an informal alliance of five community-focused housing associations in the East of England: Broadland Housing, Freebridge Community Housing, Havebury Homes, Saffron Housing Trust and Orwell Housing Association.

The group exists to exchange knowledge, experience, and good practice, and to provide a unified lobbying voice for social housing in the region.

The group comprises independently minded and financially sustainable housing associations across Norfolk and Suffolk, united by similar and complementary values and business objectives. Its members are committed to sharing knowledge and experience, supporting each other in delivering their corporate strategies, and identifying opportunities for improved collaboration.

The five organisations will establish a number of operational senior management forums to explore the potential for common approaches – although the bodies will continue to operate independently of each other. In September 2025, Louise Hillier as Head of Independent East Partnership, a newly established role designed to represent and advance the collective interests of the regional alliance.

Keep up to date with the latest Independent East news via our dedicated website and LinkedIn.

“When you are part of a large and complex system that works to reduce inequality and create a fairer society, being great organisations to work with is just as important as being great organisations to work for.”

James Francis

Chief Executive at Saffron Housing Trust

“We will be working together on new projects, sharing ideas and best practices, and supporting each other to have the biggest possible impact on the communities we serve while driving innovation and change within the housing industry.”

Wendy Evans-Hendrick

Chief Executive at Orwell Housing Association

We help people to gain independence and get the most out of life.

My Orwell

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