Who we are
We are a unique blend of housing and social work professionals who came together to provide accessible housing services of the highest quality.
Our business is based on a shared experience of over 30 years in the social care environment, specifically working in the housing/social work sector providing services to adults with learning and/or physical disabilities, with a special interest in autism.
Everyone who works for new Foundations or on our behalf, has an understanding and sensitive approach towards our tenants.
Board members are from various backgrounds and all have an interest in the well being of tenants and integrity of the company.
We will always ensure tenants and their representatives find a friendly voice at the end of the phone – someone who knows who you are and where you live.
John Spencer Chief Executive Officer
John is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (Chartered Membership Grade (CIHCM) (no. 3015218) and holds a Foundation Degree in Arts (FdA) Housing with Support. John is also a member of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (Technician Grade Reg no. 3817), and a member of the Institute of Fire Protection Officers (Membership no. 2445). John passionately believes in tenant choice and advocates scrutiny, consultation and empowerment through regular tenant engagement.
Vicki Taylor Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Vicki (CQSW) worked as a field social worker/care manager for many years, latterly on a learning disabilities team. She is a firm believer in the supported living model and is a champion of tenant’s rights within this environment. Her experience means she has an acute awareness of the difficulties and rewards involved in setting up new supported living services.
Colin Struthers Partnerships Manager
Colin (BA Hons, Dip Youth & Community Work, CQSW) is a well known and respected housing professional with years of social care and housing experience. Colin regularly advises other professional bodies on housing and supported living schemes and works closely with support organisations and governing bodies to help enable our tenants to have the options and support available to them.
Shirley Webb Administrative Manager
Shirley joined New Foundations in December 2014. With her background in property and law, Shirley works on the development team acquiring new properties. Shirley is also responsible for managing the day to day financial viability of the association and legal documents. Since being with New Foundations, she has gained her level 2 Certificate in Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Difficulties and a Diploma in Autism.
Lizzie Bell Senior Housing Officer
Lizzie joined New Foundations in 2022. Lizzie has completed Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties, CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice and Health & Safety in Residential Property. In addition, Lizzie is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, Certified Practitioner Grade (CERTCIH). As Housing Officer, Lizzie visits all our tenants in their homes, ensuring properties are health & safety compliant as well as building strong relationships with both tenants and their support teams. Lizzie is also responsible for the repairs and maintenance service, ensuring tenants receive a fast professional service.
Mark Doidge Compliance Manager
Mark joined the team in September 2025. Mark previously worked in education and is committed to ensuring all regulatory compliance and property compliance is in place. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (Chartered Membership Grade (CIHCM), and a qualified Fire Risk Assessor.
Joe Doidge Housing Assistant
Joe joined the team in 2025. As Housing Assistant, Joe deals with responsive repair requests, tenant related concerns and assisting the Housing Officer in their role.
Amanda Munro Housing Officer
Amanda joined the team November 2025. Amanda has many years experience working in education in many roles, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Amanda visits all our tenants in their homes, ensuring properties are health & safety compliant as well as building strong relationships with both tenants and their support teams.
Ian Higson Repairs and Maintenance Manager
Ian joined the team in 2025. Qualified in fire door installation and inspection, Ian is responsible for all repairs in the Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester areas.
Board of Directors
Claire Sedgewick Chair – Member Responsible for Complaints (MRC) Director
Claire has been on the New Foundations board since its inception in 2003. As a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor, Claire offers invaluable support and oversight to the New Foundations management team.
George Gilmore Director
George has spent his career working with vulnerable children and families. This interest began as a student in Belfast during the Troubles when, as a volunteer, he took Catholic and Protestant children away on holiday together. On moving to England he pursued a career working in the field of Child Protection. His final job before retiring was as the Head of Safeguarding for one of the Greater Manchester Local Authorities; this involved developing and coordinating multi disciplinarily strategic plans for Safeguarding Children.
Mark Hounslea Director
Mark Hounslea teacher. B.Ed, D.A.S.E
Mark spent 36 years working in Secondary Education with spells in Special Education and Edge Hill University. Heard of Faculty at Ormskirk School.
Mark has been on the board for many years, providing advice and support to the management team.
Where we work
New Foundations was established in Lancashire, North West England. Many of the properties that we manage are based in our local region, but we work nationwide with tenants, carers and support providers across England.