The Resident Experience Committee (REC) is a committee of the Board whose purpose is to ensure the customer voice is heard when strategic and operational matters, which may affect residents and other members of the community, are considered by the Board or its committees.

The committee is made up of residents, independent and Board members, who hold us accountable for our performance, whilst also ensuring we are doing what we say we will when it comes to providing services.

Our meetings

Below, you’ll find some short videos about our recent meetings.

Click the image below to watch the video.

Click the image below to watch the video.

Click the image below to watch the video.

Sara Garnham (Chair)

I bring experience from Executive and Non-Executive positions in public, private and third-sector organisations across various sectors including construction, housing, the tech sector, education, care and the arts.

I first got involved in housing as a charity Board member in the 1980s in Cambridge, and I have continued my commitment to the social housing sector with various housing association Board roles.

I am also currently Chair of Havebury’s Resident Experience Committee (REC) and Chair of the Board at Hundred Houses Society in Cambridge

Keith Harris (Vice Chair)

I have been involved in housing associations for many years, and have been a Havebury resident for nearly five years. I became involved in a couple of tenant forums which I found interesting and which encouraged me to apply for a role on Havebury’s Resident Experience Committee (REC), which I am currently Vice Chair of.

My working career has involved 39 years in the domestic gas industry, serving many different councils and housing associations in a contractor capacity. As well as many years in the field, I also held management positions for many years. This gave me an insight into both sides of the fence. As a result, I am capable of basing decisions on factual evidence as well as holding my own in-depth investigations and making sound decisions.

Prashant Parekh

I am a senior leader in customer experience and marketing, with over 20 years’ experience across the public and private sectors. As customer change director at Huntingdonshire District Council, I lead housing, customer services, and revenues & benefits. I have earned multiple national and European awards for excellence with CitySprint, Nissan Motors, and TUI UK&I.

Joining Havebury’s Resident Experience Committee in September 2025, I bring a passion for social value, innovation, and mentoring.

Aleksandr Ovcerenko

I am currently working as a multi-site account manager for a recruitment agency, with nine years’ experience in people management, staff development, recruitment, customer service, and customer retention. I also have strong knowledge of health and safety, profitability, and negotiation skills.

Originally from Latvia, I am the father of a wonderful four-year-old daughter and husband to a highly driven wife. I moved to Bury St Edmunds in 2010 and have never wanted to leave this beautiful and charming town. I became a Havebury resident in 2019, at the same time joining the Performance and Scrutiny Panel.

I am a big football fan and have a strong interest in geopolitics.


Andrew Ward

I have been a Havebury resident since 2015. I currently work for a district council in Essex, in their environmental services department. Prior to that, I had 30 years working in agricultural management, road haulage and a number of customer service and customer-facing roles.

I’m a big supporter of all things that include teamwork, fairness, respect and inclusivity. In my spare time I enjoy walking the dogs and assisting as a helper at our local Scout group.


Dan P

I am a shared owner living in Cambridgeshire, and I became a resident member in 2023. I have a keen and strong interest in social affairs and feel strongly that residents’ voices should be heard.

Joe Cormack

I am a shared owner living in West Suffolk, and I became a resident member in 2022.  I have a real interest in the well-being of residents and offer constructive feedback on issues which affect residents.

Samantha Morgan

Liz Obertelli

Claire Page