Scrutiny Panel Hub Welcome...

Helen Watkinson

Chair of Scrutiny Panel

I am Helen, Chair of the Scrutiny Panel. I began my working life in catering before returning to education, completing an Access to Education course at De Montfort University, followed by degrees in Information Technology and Education Studies. Alongside my studies, I worked as a security officer until 2012.

In 2014, my family faced the risk of losing our home when my husband lost his job. Through the national Mortgage Rescue Programme, emh purchased our property, allowing us to remain in our home. Later service issues led me to make formal complaints, which introduced me to online resident involvement.

During Covid, I joined the Scrutiny Panel, which marked the start of my wider involvement. I am now also an active member of the Housing Ombudsman and the Social Regulator, contributing to national work on the Complaints Policy, Tenant Satisfaction Measures, and the new Consumer Standards.

Shash Jivan

Panel Member

I am Shash, a Scrutiny Panel Member. I came to the UK from India in 1964 and went on to study at London University, where I earned a BSc in Geology and Chemistry. After working for many years in the corporate sector, I established my own commercial finance brokerage, specialising in aircraft finance across the world. I retired in 2017 and have since been living in Thurnby, Leicestershire.

For more than seven years, I have been an active member of the Scrutiny Panel, contributing to the community through oversight and constructive engagement. I also serve as President of a UK-based charity that supports a range of humanitarian projects in Gujarat, India. Our work includes delivering clean water initiatives, building a hospital, providing cataract operations, and supplying IT equipment to schools.

I remain committed to community service both locally and abroad, and I enjoy staying involved in meaningful projects that make a positive difference.

Leanne Peat

Panel Member

I’m Leanne, a Scrutiny Panel Member with a strong passion for helping people and driving positive change. I work as a self-employed, part-time cleaner and am also a qualified counsellor, supporting vulnerable adults.

My role involves helping homeless and vulnerable people move into shared accommodation, providing day-to-day support, and supporting them to progress into stable, affordable housing. Before having my two children, I spent many years working in a chemical factory in roles covering health and safety, audits, training, risk assessments and management. This experience gave me a solid understanding of how effective systems and strong teamwork can make a real difference.

I joined the Scrutiny Panel because I care deeply about improving services for both residents and staff. I believe that by working collaboratively, we can make meaningful improvements and help build a positive, supportive community.

John Bonnett

Panel Member

I am John, a Scrutiny Panel Member. I am now over 80 years old and have been married for 57 years, with a large and much-loved family. I spent around 50 years living overseas, mostly in tropical countries, and although I didn’t do particularly well at school, I went on to qualify as an aircraft engineer.

 My career took me around the world as an international contractor, working across the water, sewerage, solar, petrochemical and cement industries.

Some years ago, I applied for a RIC role with emh and reached the final interview stage. Although I wasn’t successful, I was invited to become an involved resident which I was pleased to accept. I have found the work both enjoyable and rewarding, even when the tasks are challenging.

I am now a member of the Scrutiny Panel and the Health and Safety Panel, and I also serve as Chair of the Tenant Advice and Support Group. I continue to value the opportunity to contribute to improving services and supporting fellow residents.

Linda Bonnett

Panel Member

I am Linda, a Scrutiny Panel Member and my early years were spent in Kenya, East Africa, where I completed a two-year secretarial college course. In the early 1960s, I worked for the Kenya Meat Commission as Private Secretary to the Sales Manager. After a year, my role was transferred to a local employee as part of national staffing changes, and I then moved on to become Confidential Secretary to the Managing Director of Goodyear Tyres Africa.

I met my husband in Nairobi, where we married and raised our four sons. After spending more than twenty years in Kenya, we returned to England in 1982. I later worked for Northampton Council with the Executive Task Force, helping people return to work, a role I found rewarding and meaningful.

More recently, my husband and I have both become involved residents, taking an active role in supporting and improving our community.