Meet the new Customer Influence Panel

Lydia, Peterborough

Lydia works in Volunteer Engagement for a national charity, where her focus is on ensuring volunteers’ voices are heard at every level of decision-making. She has seen first-hand how powerful it can be when organisations truly listen to the people they serve.

Lydia recognises that Amplius carries the important, and sometimes challenging, responsibility of providing the best housing possible. However, this can only be achieved by listening to customers’ experiences and perspectives.

On the Customer Influence Panel, Lydia hopes to help bridge that gap by ensuring customer voices are heard, valued and reflected in the decisions that shape homes and communities. She aims to act as a constructive and supportive 'critical friend', driving transparency, accountability and continuous improvement so that customers can feel confident that their needs and concerns are represented.

Joshua, Boston

Joshua has worked as a surveyor in the construction industry, while also holding roles including Parish Councillor and Vice President the Student Union.

His interests stretch beyond work, with a passion for music, technology, debate and spending time socialising with friends.

On the Customer Influence Panel, Joshua is keen to share his professional insight, champion residents’ views and help shape positive changes across Amplius' services.

Bryn, Bedfordshire

Bryn has lived in some fascinating places, with Hameln in Germany, home of the famous rat catcher, being a favourite.

His career highlights include working at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and later becoming Training Manager for Stagecoach in Bedford, helping nervous motorists become confident bus drivers.

Outside of work, Bryn enjoys dog walking, volunteering with English Heritage and supporting the Flitwick Planning Improvement Working Group.

On the Customer Influence Panel, Bryn is passionate about improving the Amplius website and digital offer, challenging accommodation standards and tackling isolation among residents.

Jennifer, Rushden

Bringing a wealth of experience from a career spanning print media, recruitment, wildlife conservation, sustainability and education, Jennifer is also on the board of governors at a local school.

From her roots in the print industry, Jennifer moved into HR and enjoyed many years running a successful legal recruitment agency in London. Alongside her love of working with people and organisations, she harnessed a passion for wildlife and the environment to develop considerable expertise in conservation and sustainability.

Jennifer is an elected Fellow of the Zoological Society of London and of the Linnean Society at Burlington House, and she thrives on nurturing positive change in her role as Director of Wildlife and Environmental Studies at Akkadium College.

She has previously been the Chair of the Customer Forum. She was also a member of the Customer Evaluation Panel, contributing her skills and experience to the repairs procurement process.

Bruce, Leicester

Bruce lives in Birstall, Leicester, with Yvonne, his wife of 40 years. They have one son and two grandchildren.

A lifelong rugby enthusiast, Bruce has dedicated many years to grassroots rugby, serving over a decade as secretary of his local club and later becoming president of the Leicestershire Rugby Union, where he oversaw the sport across the county.

Professionally, Bruce spent more than 40 years in the printing industry, starting as an apprentice typesetter before moving into client-facing roles as an account manager. His career gave him extensive experience in listening to customers, resolving queries and building strong relationships.

Calm and considered by nature, Bruce brings a balanced approach to problem-solving and is always willing to offer advice and support where needed.

Philippa, Rutland

Philippa lives in Oakham with her puppy, Nero. A retired headteacher at an international school, she now dedicates her time to volunteering for both Amplius and the Air Ambulance.

Passionate about travel and experimenting with new cuisines, Philippa enjoys cooking at home and keeping active through swimming and gym sessions.

 Following a stroke four years ago, she has worked hard to rebuild her balance and strength. On the Customer Influence Panel, Philippa is keen to use her wide-ranging skills and life experience to represent disabled people and make a positive difference in her community.

Andy, Stamford

Andy recently moved from Kettering to Collyweston, near Stamford, where he’s enjoying settling into his rented bungalow and looks forward to many happy years there.

Originally from Derby, Andy grew up on a council estate before joining the Royal Navy in 1974. His career has since taken him into facilities management, working for several logistics companies.

Andy brings a wealth of life and professional experience to the Panel. He joined to gain a deeper understanding of modern social housing and to play an active role in helping shape its future, supporting both Amplius and fellow customers along the way.

Mick, Wellingborough

Mick brings extensive experience from a varied career in engineering, management and customer-focused roles as well as his service in the Royal Navy.

After leaving the Navy, Mick held management roles across print, retail and engineering, alongside significant trade union involvement. He served as Branch President of the Birmingham Graphic, Print and Media Union, was awarded the title of ‘Father of the Chapel’, and later sat on Unite’s print sector Executive Committee. He is also qualified in health and safety.

Mick helped modernise operations at Alimak in Rushden and previously owned and ran a public house in the West Midlands with his wife. Outside of work, he has been a loyal Aston Villa supporter since 1963.

Aaron, Corby

Aaron has experience of working for a local authority, supporting homeless individuals and rough sleepers. His role involved collaborating with supported housing providers and housing associations, together with the council’s social housing schemes.

Aaron has joined the Customer Influence Panel because he believes customer engagement is essential. He hopes to contribute ideas to help shape how Amplius communicates in ways that meet diverse needs, especially for those who are neurodiverse or have learning difficulties. His aim is for Amplius to better understand the importance of offering information in clear and accessible formats for everyone.

Judy, Walsall

Judy lives in Bloxwich in the West Midlands and became an Amplius customer eight years ago.

Judy retired over 10 years ago after a distinguished 32-year career with the NHS, during which she worked across multiple nursing disciplines and concluded her service as a District Nursing Manager.

Judy now volunteers with a local non-profit charity and leads a Meet Up Group that organises social activities for single individuals in the area. This involvement has been highly rewarding and has enabled her to form several new friendships.

Bringing a wealth of skills to the Customer Influence Panel, Judy is committed to representing customers' perspectives on Amplius’ services and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Diane, Lincoln

Diane has been an Amplius customer for 10 years. She feels she understands her community well and values the people within it. 

Diane has built a strong professional background within the merchandising field with over more than 14 years in leadership. She has worked on contracts all over the UK, guiding teams through new store openings, full refits, and later stepping into management. Her experience has brought her into contact with colleagues from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds. 

Being part of the Customer Influence Panel, Diane hopes to contribute her lived experience, her professional insight, and her genuine desire to help improve things for others.