Peabody appoints new resident board member

Peabody has appointed long-standing resident and housing professional Nivene Powell as its new resident board member.

Published: 04/09/2025

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Nivene officially joined the board on Monday 1 September. Having lived in Peabody homes for more than 30 years, she brings not only personal insight but also more than three decades of professional experience across the housing sector.

Nivene has held leadership and board roles in the public, private and voluntary sectors, focusing on community engagement, social value, and equality, diversity and inclusion. Currently working as a Resident Empowerment Manager at another housing association, she leads programmes that build trust and influence between landlords and residents.

For Nivene, her new role is about making sure the board is connected to the real experiences of residents.

“I want to be able to amplify resident voices and bring them into the boardroom,” Nivene said. “That means not just representing residents but helping the organisation understand what it feels like for residents day-to-day. I’m walking in the shoes of residents, and I want the board to walk in those shoes too.

“A lot of feedback I hear is about communication. Residents want honesty and professionalism - if something can’t be done, explain why. That’s how you build trust. Peabody has a strong social purpose, and I want to help make sure that comes through in the culture and the way services are delivered.”

Another priority for Nivene is value for money. “Residents should feel confident that the rent they pay is being used well and that services are delivering,” Nivene said. “If something isn’t working, the board needs to know.”

Nivene also wants to see Peabody’s engagement with residents and their families reaching further. “Residents’ children are the missing link,” she explained. “House prices mean many young adults are still living at home. They are part of our communities too. If Peabody wants to be different and innovative, it needs to listen to them as well.”

Alongside influencing Peabody’s direction, Nivene hopes her appointment will encourage more people to step forward. “I want residents from all backgrounds - particularly women, and especially black women - to see they can get involved,” Nivene said. “I’m a working mum doing a full-time job and studying for a housing diploma too, and I’ve taken on this role because I believe you can make a difference. Sometimes it’s just two hours a month at a forum. Everyone has something to give.”

Caroline Corby, Chair of the Peabody board, said: “Nivene brings an impressive mix of professional experience and personal insight, and a passion for making sure residents’ voices are heard. She's been part of the Peabody community for many years I have no doubt she'll help us to ensure that residents’ voices truly shape the decisions we make.”

Ian McDermott, Chief Executive Officer of Peabody, added: “We know we need to be closer to residents - and that starts with listening at the highest level. Nivene’s voice on our board will help us to continue building the culture we want Peabody to be known for: open, transparent, responsive, and always focused on improving services for residents and communities.”

Nivene is joining two other Peabody residents on the board - Peter Baffoe and Matthew Martin. Peter recently became vice chair of the board.