“The high level of 1-1 support First People Housing CIC have given to our client I have never experienced before in 20 years of working with the Third Sector.”
— Client's Probation Officer
-
![]()
Corporate Memberships
Anti Stigma Network
International Society of Substance Use Professionals
Addiction Professionals
National Council of Voluntary Organisations
College of Live Experience Recovery Organisations
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
British Psychological Society
Respect
Welwyn Hatfield Community and Voluntary Services
-
![Wendy Nee Chief Executive Officer]()
Wendy Nee
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Meet Wendy: Our CEO: A Passionate Advocate for Empowerment
Wendy founded First People Housing CIC in April 2022, driven by a deep commitment to supporting individuals facing homelessness and vulnerability. Prior to this, her extensive experience in the social care sector spanned two decades, encompassing diverse areas like substance misuse, domestic violence, and criminal justice. Previously, she served as Operations Director at Druglink and later transitioned to a Consultant CQC Registered Manager role at a leading global medical and pharmaceutical company.
Wendy's passion lies in empowering individuals to believe in themselves and achieve positive change, no matter how seemingly small. This dedication is reflected in her leadership style and her unwavering support for our residents. Her efforts have been recognized through two consecutive "Care Leadership Awards" and "Most Innovative Care Team" awards from the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association. Additionally, she has contributed valuable insights to various publications focused on the issue of homelessness.
Beyond her extensive experience, Wendy holds a diverse range of qualifications:
• Qualified Counsellor: Equipped to provide therapeutic support and guidance.
• NLP Master Practitioner, Trainer and Coach: Possesses advanced skills in personal development and coaching methodologies.
• Level 5 Award in Leadership in Health & Social Care: Demonstrates expertise in leadership and management within the healthcare and social care sectors.
• Qualified Health and Wellness Coach: Empowers individuals to achieve their personal health and well-being goals.
• Currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Addiction, Psychology and Counselling: Continuously expanding her knowledge and skillset to better serve the needs of our residents.
Wendy's leadership and dedication creates a foundation of unwavering support and empowerment for individuals seeking to build a brighter future.
-
![Mark Woolman operations director]()
Mark Woolman
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Meet Mark, Our Operations Director:
Mark joined the First People Housing CIC team in November 2022, bringing a wealth of experience to support our daily operations. His arrival allows Wendy, our CEO, to dedicate more time exploring growth opportunities and reaching out to even more individuals in need, particularly those belonging to hard-to-reach groups, including women.
Mark boasts over three decades of experience working within local authorities, having held various operational leadership roles. His diverse background encompasses areas like health & safety, regulation, and legal matters. Additionally, his valuable experience as a landlord equips him with a deep understanding of property management and the high standards we strive to maintain in our accommodations.
Mark's commitment to personal and professional development is further reflected in his qualifications. He is a qualified coach and is currently pursuing a Level 2 Counselling qualification. This combined expertise allows him to effectively support our team and contribute to our mission of empowering individuals.
-
![]()
Kieran Ruane
HOUSING SERVICES MANAGER
Meet Kieran: From Business Leader to Champion for Change
Kieran joined First People Housing CIC in November 2023, leveraging his 30 years of private sector experience to manage our service operations. This career shift reflects his passion for supporting those experiencing homelessness and substance misuse.
Kieran's journey began in January 2019 with volunteering at a local drug and alcohol service, where his empathy and positivity shone through. He then transitioned to a paid role in their night shelter, gaining invaluable firsthand experience during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Kieran's dedication led him to Druglink in March 2021, where he managed a housing project for individuals facing similar challenges. He brings a unique blend of business acumen and social sector experience, further enhanced by his Master Practitioner qualification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
Kieran's diverse skillset and unwavering commitment prove him to be an invaluable asset to our team.
