Wendy Evans-Hendrick brings over three decades of leadership experience in housing, development, and community engagement. Originally trained as a Town Planner, Wendy joined Orwell Housing Association in 1994 as Development Manager. Her strategic vision and commitment to innovation led to her appointment as Director of Development and Property Services, and in 2018, she became Chief Executive.

Under Wendy’s leadership, Orwell has undergone significant transformation, emerging as a modern, agile organisation with a strong focus on customer experience, community impact, and operational resilience. She successfully guided the organisation through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to champion inclusive growth and sustainability across Orwell’s services.

Wendy is Managing Director of Orwell Homes Limited, the Association’s development subsidiary, and plays a pivotal role in shaping housing delivery across East Anglia. She is also a founding member of Independent East, a consortium of five regional housing associations, and serves as Chair of Eastern Procurement Limited, driving collaborative procurement strategies across the sector.

Her commitment to community wellbeing extends beyond Orwell. Wendy is a Board Member of Active Suffolk, supporting initiatives that promote physical activity and inclusion across the county. She also holds a non-executive role with Combat2Coffee, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting veterans through employment, mental health awareness, and community engagement.

Wendy’s portfolio of roles reflects her passion for social impact, strategic collaboration, and empowering communities through housing, health, and enterprise.

Michelle is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and joined Orwell following her role of Head of People Support at Essex Wildlife Trust.  Within this role she oversaw HR, Volunteering, Safeguarding and Health and Safety and put in place a cultural transformation programme, moving the organisation into the Times Top 100, and gaining a commendation from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for a Wellbeing programme. 

David joined Orwell in January 2024 as Director of Finance.

He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants having qualified in 1993 with KPMG, working with the firm in both the UK and New Zealand.

David moved into the social housing sector in 1998 and has held executive roles in a number of housing providers within the eastern region and London.  David’s role at Orwell includes Finance, Development, Risk, Procurement and Fleet.

Tony joined Orwell in March 2024, bringing with him over 20 years of extensive experience in the housing sector.  Tony's career to date includes pivotal roles at both national and regional social housing providers.  With a proven track record in leading customer-facing housing services, Tony has demonstrated a keen focus on elevating the customer experience and is deeply committed to improving the quality of life and future prospects of customers, employees, and communities.

As Director of Customers and Communities, Tony will work closely with our and colleagues to provide strategic guidance across Orwell’s property and estate services, housing management, customer services, and customer engagement teams and to help implement Orwell’s mission to cultivate vibrant communities and deliver exceptional services to its customers. Tony is also responsible for compliance with consumer standards.

Tony is a recent Business and Management Graduate of Hult Ashridge Business School and a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.