The logo of Gratwell Homes, featuring a yellow arrow pointing upward and the company name in bold navy blue text.

Number of homes: Around 5,000
CEO: Jo Savage
Website: www.greatwellhomes.org.uk
Areas of operation: Wellingborough and surrounding areas (Northamptonshire)

About

Greatwell Homes is a not-for-profit housing association managing around 5,000 homes in Wellingborough and nearby areas. It focuses on providing high-quality homes, supporting community wellbeing, and creating places where people want to live. The organisation promotes values of respect, trust, teamwork, efficiency, and empowerment, aiming to be both a housing provider and a wider community enabler.

Performance & Accountability

Greatwell Homes is regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (code L4509). In November 2022, governance was confirmed at G1 but viability was downgraded from V1 to V2. The downgrade reflected increased investment in existing homes and inflationary pressures, which reduced financial headroom. The regulator judged the provider to remain compliant, with a funded business plan and adequate security.

The Housing Ombudsman has investigated complaints against Greatwell, including a case about unannounced landlord visits and complaint handling. Such issues underline the importance of effective communication and tenant trust.

Strategic Direction

Greatwell Homes is investing more heavily in its existing housing stock to improve quality and safety. This comes alongside ambitions to diversify services and support residents’ wellbeing, employment, and local community development. The association continues to position itself as a locally rooted organisation with long-term commitments to Wellingborough and Northamptonshire.

Resident Experience

Greatwell promotes its mission of building friendly communities and empowering residents, with programmes focused on wellbeing, inclusion, and engagement. However, Ombudsman cases highlight challenges around complaint handling and communication, particularly where residents have reported unannounced visits. The association faces the dual challenge of delivering major investment works while maintaining strong day-to-day service relationships.

At a glance

  • Homes: Around 5,000 in Wellingborough and Northamptonshire

  • Governance/Viability: G1/V2 – governance strong, viability under pressure from investment and inflation

  • Focus: Affordable housing, community support, stock investment

  • Key identity points: Locally focused provider, strong values-led approach, emphasis on empowerment and wellbeing