Resident Experience

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 Vice Chair of the Board at Havebury, as well as the Member Responsible for Complaints (MRC) from the Housing Ombudsman Service Complaint Handling Code.

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

I have a passion for community, inclusion and giving residents a voice. Having lived in Havebury homes for nearly 18 years, I understand first-hand the difference a safe and secure home can make.

I work in inclusion consultancy and practitioner roles, supporting individuals who face inequality and barriers to employment, education, housing, and services. I have also worked in education and support roles, and I have published work promoting inclusion and challenging stigma around disability, neurodivergence and mental health. Having completed a psychology degree, I know how important it is that everyone is given the tools to thrive.

In my free time, I enjoy gardening, spending time with my dogs and continuing to educate myself on things that matter most to me.

Liz Obertelli

Claire Page

I have been a Havebury resident for almost ten years, and I’m passionate about representing residents and making sure their voices are heard. Having my home has given me security, stability and I have a strong sense of belonging and I want to share that with other residents. I joined REC to give something back and help others feel listened to and understood. I also bring many years experience as a social media account manager and administrator.

Away from the committee, I enjoy music, especially going to live gigs and musicals, reading and spending time with my family.