Meet Nivene, your new resident board member
Long-standing Peabody resident and housing professional Nivene Powell has joined our board, bringing over 30 years of experience in the housing sector and personal insight.
Published: 04/09/2025
Nivene has lived in a Peabody home for more than three decades. She’s worked across the housing sector in leadership roles, focusing on community engagement, social value and equality, diversity and inclusion.
She’s currently working as a resident empowerment manager at another housing association, leading programmes that build relationships between landlords and 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.”
She’s also focused on improving communication.
“A lot of feedback I hear is about communication. Residents want honesty and professionalism. That’s how you build trust.”
She hopes her appointment encourages more residents to get involved.
“I want residents from all backgrounds to see they can get involved.” Nivene said.
Caroline Corby, Chair of the Peabody board, said: “I have no doubt she'll help us to ensure that residents’ voices truly shape the decisions we make.”
Ian McDermott, Chief Executive of Peabody, added: “Nivene’s voice on our board will help us to continue building the culture we want Peabody to be known for.”
Nivene is joining two other Peabody residents on the board - Peter Baffoe and Matthew Martin - who will continue pushing for progress that supports residents across our communities.