Directors and Board Members

Anne Ward. Chief Executive

Following a career in social housing, regeneration and neighbourhood management in inner London, Anne led the transfer of homes to Dane Housing (Congleton) Ltd. Since then, the company has deliveried its transfer promises to residents, investing some £6.5m per annum on improvements and in new affordable homes. With a portfolio of some 4,500 homes, Anne heads a team of 200 employees.

Anne’s belief is that good quality, affordable housing is more than just bricks and mortar. She welcomed stock transfer, which has facilitated the opportunity for investment in housing maintenance. This, together with added value services and a range of additional initiatives, will enable the creation of truly sustainable neighbourhoods. Recognising that money alone does not make the difference, Anne has ensured that Dane attracts the right mix of skills within its board of directors and its employees. She passionately believes that, critical to getting its delivery of products and services right; Dane must have close interaction with its residents. As a result, a range of tenants forums have been established, alongside a pro-active umbrella Tenant Federation.

Anne is committed to improving communication, pro-actively addressing the challenges facing the sector, raising the profile of Dane and has been elected to the Northern Housing Federation's Northern Executive Committee and Regulatory Panel. In June 2002, she concluded her 2 year chairing of the Northern Housing Federation Large Scale Voluntary Transfer Group, the first female Chief Executive to undertake this role.

Anne is acutely aware that despite all the positive aspects within the social housing movement, it continues to portray a poor image. She is therefore pleased to be playing her role on the National Housing Federation sounding board, in working to achieve ‘Housing’s Better Future’. As Chief Executive of Dane Housing, she has seen the company flourish from a new transfer organisation, successfully delivering the multi-million pound promised improvement programme, to a confident 10 year old organisation. With a clear vision for the future set out in its Corporate Plan, Dane has a focused direction, together with a robust financial business plan, to ensure delivery of its objectives.

Anne’s personal ambitions are to ensure that Dane continues to put residents first and that the decisions she makes as the founding Chief Executive of Dane Housing will facilitate ongoing investment in the neighbourhoods it serves, long after she has hung up her boots.

Peter Shaw Director of Resources
Peter joined Dane Housing in June 1998 as Director of Resources with responsibility for Finance and Communications (Incorporating Information Technology) having gained 13 years experience in the social housing sector with Registered Social Landlords operating in North Wales and Dorset.
Peter entered the sector as Assistant Director of Finance with an established and progressive landlord in Wales, providing rented, shared ownership and supported housing. During his time there, the organisation grew from 1,300 to 2,500 homes and Peter was actively involved in securing the funding to facilitate this growth.
In 1994, he joined Signpost Housing Association in Dorset as Director of Finance and Administration. Signpost was a Large Scale Voluntary Transfer organisation and Peter was instrumental in successfully developing a sound financial basis for the organisation. Since joining Dane Housing, he has refinanced the loan funding that was secured at the time of transfer. Peter continues to use his skills and understanding of the social housing sector, to complement the professional skills and expertise of his staff.

Mike Doran. Director of Community and Supported Housing
Mike Doran joined Dane Housing in January 2004, as Director of Community and Supported Housing. In this role at Dane, Mike oversees the Housing Management and Supported Housing teams. He is be responsible for continuing to develop Dane’s involvement in wider community activity and implementing the iN Business for Neighbourhoods concept. This includes working closely with other organisations, including Social Services and Health Agencies.
Mike Doran has held a variety of senior management roles in housing, social services and health agencies. He joined Dane Housing from Focus Housing Association in Birmingham, where his roles included project managing a bid for a major transfer of older peoples services from the local authority. During his career, Mike has managed many aspects of housing management and care and support services.