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Senior Management

The Senior Management Team is responsible for the management of staff and resources to make sure we achieve our goals and objectives.

Meet the Team

Assistant Director: Care and Support Services

Christian Woodhead

Chris joined East Thames in September 2008 as Assistant Director: Care and Support and is responsible for all of the Group’s Care and Support business, including the Foyers in East Potential.

Chris has more than twelve years experience in the social housing sector gleaned from time with both RSLs and local authorities. Prior to joining the Group, Chris spent the last six years working in local government in Hertfordshire where he directed a variety of departments - from generic housing management, through housing options, leasehold, temporary accommodation and tenancy support, to housing development. His most recent role as the authority's strategic head of housing had a strong partnership focus, linking the direction of the housing service to sub-regional priorities for the Essex/Hertfordshire London Commuter Belt.

An experienced commissioner with a strong commitment to the provision of valued support services, Chris was Chair of the Hertfordshire Supporting People Commissioning Body prior to joining the Group.

He also takes a special interest in victim support and the rehabilitation of offenders, being a member of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) Strategic Management Board and setting up and chairing the Hertfordshire Adult Offender Accommodation Project - a group charged with responsibility for improving arrangements for this client group, including mentally disordered offenders, countywide.

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Head of Adult Care & Support Services

Mandy Haslam

  • Support and care services for customers living with mental health issues, domestic violence and other vulnerabilities
  • Co-ordinating housing management and the repair service for East Living
  • Service delivery and customer satisfaction for older people with learning disabilities in east London, Essex, Thurrock and Southend

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Head of Business Development

Neil McCarthy

  • Supporting and retaining contracts
  • Seeking and realising new business opportunities
  • Working with development to support new housing projects
  • Managing customer and performance information for supported housing

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Head of Foyer Services

Andy Palmer

  • Strategic management of all Foyers
  • Managing Foyer Services Business Unit
  • Business and Service Development
  • Operations Committee
  • Asset Management and Maintenance

Email Andy Palmer