/ Our Governance, Leadership & Accountability

Our Legal Structure

First People Housing CIC is a Community Interest Company (CIC) limited by guarantee.

Company Number: 14005037
Registered Office: Andre House, 19–25 Salisbury Square, Old Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 5BT

As a CIC:

• We are established for community benefit.
• We operate under an asset lock, which prevents assets or surplus being distributed for private gain.
• Any residual assets on winding up must be transferred to another asset-locked body (such as a charity or CIC).
• We are regulated by the CIC Regulator and Companies House.

We do not have share capital.
Members guarantee £1 and do not hold equity ownership. Under our Articles of Association Executive Directors are also members.

Founder & Legacy Protection

First People Housing CIC was founded by Wendy Nee.

To safeguard the long-term integrity of our mission, our Articles of Association include Founder legacy provisions which:

• Protect the Company’s Objects.
• Protect the Asset Lock.
• Prevent fundamental constitutional changes without Founder consent during her lifetime.
• Ensure that the mission cannot be diluted or redirected away from its founding purpose.

Founder protections automatically cease upon death or written resignation, ensuring that the organisation ultimately rests on institutional governance rather than individual control.

Decision-Making & Accountability

Certain constitutional matters require enhanced governance safeguards, including:

• Amendment of the Company’s Objects
• Amendment of the Asset Lock
• Winding up of the Company
• Transfer of substantially all assets

These matters require:

• Board approval in accordance with the Articles
• Member approval (where required by law)
• Compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations

This layered structure ensures that fundamental decisions cannot be taken lightly or unilaterally.

Regulation & Compliance

First People Housing CIC is:

• Registered with Companies House
• Regulated by the CIC Regulator
• Subject to UK company law
• Compliant with safeguarding, housing and local authority regulatory frameworks

Directors carry personal statutory responsibilities and are supported by governance policies including:

• Conflict of Interest procedures
• Safeguarding oversight
• Risk management frameworks
• Financial controls

Our Mission

First People Housing CIC exists to provide safe, structured and supportive accommodation for individuals who need stability, accountability and opportunity.

Our work is grounded in:

• Dignity
• Personal responsibility
• Support with boundaries
• Sustainable independence
• Community impact

All decisions taken by the Board and Executive team must align with our constitutional Objects and community benefit obligations.

Board of Directors

Our Board provides strategic oversight, accountability and governance.

The Board includes both Executive and Non-Executive Directors.

Executive Directors

• Wendy Nee – Executive Director & Founder
• Mark Woolman – Chair & Executive Director
• Kieran Ruane – Executive Director

Executive Directors are responsible for day-to-day leadership, strategic implementation and operational performance.

Further information about our Executive Directors can be found on our Meet the Team page.

Non-Executive Directors

• Ian Philipson – Non-Executive Director
• Belinda Coussens – Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Directors provide independent oversight, strategic challenge and governance scrutiny. They are not involved in daily operational management.

All Directors are subject to statutory duties under the Companies Act 2006.

Financial Stewardship

As a Community Interest Company:

• Surpluses are reinvested into services and community benefit.
• We operate with full financial transparency.
• Accounts are filed annually at Companies House.
• Public and commissioning funds are managed with robust oversight.

We maintain appropriate professional support, including independent accounting services and regulatory compliance monitoring.

Transparency Commitment

We believe transparency builds trust.

If you require further information about our governance or structure, please contact:

mark@firstpeople.org.uk
01707 502615