Orbit, one of the UK’s foremost not-for-profit housing groups, has announced the appointment of Manpreet Dillon, Michelle Dovey and Paul Crawford as non-executive directors to its Common Board.

In addition, Orbit has also welcomed Steve Batley to its Strategic Asset Management and Development Committee as an Independent Committee Member.

The appointments further strengthen Orbit’s new governance structure, which came into effect on 1 April 2025, and saw its Orbit Housing Association Board combine with its Orbit Group Board to create a ‘Common Board’ underpinned by six Committees. The new appointments are the latest step in Orbit’s enhancement of its governance structure to ensure it has strong customer representation and a wide range of strategic capabilities that can effectively oversee all aspects of its operational and strategic direction to support the delivery of its 2030 Strategy.

Manpreet, Michelle, Paul and Steve took up their positions on 1 June 2025.

Commenting on the appointments, Stephen Jack, Group Chair, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Manpreet, Michelle, and Paul to our Board, along with Steve to our Strategic Asset Management and Development Committee. They each bring extensive sector experience and a breadth of skills that complement those of our existing members. I have no doubt that their appointments will serve to enhance the effectiveness of our governance processes, as we guide Orbit in delivering on its ambition to provide amongst the best customer experience of any housing association in the country.”

Manpreet Dillon has four years’ experience as a member of Orbit Housing Association Board, along with wider sector experience in both executive and non-executive roles, including senior leadership positions at Legal & General Affordable Homes, Sage Homes, Grainger Plc and Catalyst Housing Group, and non-executive roles at Hyde and Shelter. Manpreet brings strategic and operational insight in leading organisations through change, including service delivery and redesign, digital transformation, and culture.

A financial risk management specialist, Michelle Dovey’s non-executive experience includes working with multi-national corporate, not-for-profit and charity organisations such as Southern Housing, Crystal Palace Housing Association and Riverside Group. In addition, Michelle has held executive roles with organisations including Informa plc, Mobico Group plc and Imperial Brands plc.  Michelle’s strategic oversight experience focuses on financial risk management, technical treasury management and financial governance.

Paul Crawford is a qualified social housing professional, having worked for over 30 years in the sector, including 15 years as a CEO. Currently Chief Executive of LiveWest Homes, Paul’s leadership has enabled LiveWest to achieve G1, V1 and C1 ratings from the Regulator, along with top-decile TSM performance in satisfaction across rented and home ownership tenures.  In addition, Paul is an experienced non-executive and executive director focused on designing and implementing organisational strategy and change management.

An experienced leader in strategic and transformational change at both operational and property board level, Steve Batley brings a strong capability in senior oversight across strategic growth, construction, portfolio performance, estate transformation, asset management, and property safety. Currently Group Construction Director at Unite Students, Steve’s experience spans IKEA Group and John Laing Group.