Derive exists to support a better future for the people of Salford

Our aim is to provide housing that is:

Secure

High-Quality

Affordable

Our Long-Term Ambition

Maximise Social Rent Delivery

We are committed to delivering as many homes as possible at Social Rent – the most affordable level – to support those in greatest housing need. While financial constraints require a careful balance, this remains central to our mission.

Build Neighbourhoods, Not Just Homes

We aim to deliver homes that enhance Salford’s neighbourhoods — well-designed, energy-efficient places where residents can live well and thrive.

Champion Local People and Priorities

We will prioritise the needs of Salford residents in our lettings, employment practices, and procurement. Our ambition is to act as a local anchor institution with social value at the heart of everything we do.

Be a Leader in Ethical, Publicly-Led Housing Delivery

Dérive is proud to be a publicly owned organisation. We aim to prove that public-led development can be both financially sustainable and socially transformative.

Our team

James Larkin

Head of Finance & HR

Nicoli Ellis- Hall

Head of Governance & Risk

James Sharpe

Executive Lead

Board Members

Councillor John Merry

John has served as a Labour councillor for Salford's Broughton ward since 1990. He was appointed Deputy City Mayor in 2016 and has led the Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing portfolio since May 2021. Previously, he was Leader of Salford City Council from 2003 to 2012. He was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2009. Beyond his local government roles, he chairs Key Cities, a network of mid-sized UK cities advocating for tailored devolution and inclusive economic growth.

Councillor Tracy Kelly

Tracy has served as a Labour councillor for Salford since 2012, representing the Higher Irlam and Peel Green ward. She currently holds the position of Statutory Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty at Salford City Council . In this role, she is responsible for overseeing housing policy and initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty within the city. Councillor Kelly is also a board member of Dérive (Salford) Ltd, the council's wholly owned housing development company . Her work focuses on delivering affordable housing solutions and supporting vulnerable communities in Salford.

Ian Pitteway

With over 30 years’ experience in the housing and construction sector, Ian has held senior roles across both public and private sectors. Most recently serving as Assistant Director at Salix Finance, where he led government-funded retrofit programmes aimed at tackling fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions. Previous leadership roles at The Guinness Partnership and Northwards Housing included oversight of development programmes, major investment programmes, building safety improvements, and commercial delivery. A strategic thinker with deep expertise in programme management, stakeholder engagement, and financial planning, Ian brings a strong commitment to delivering safe, sustainable, and affordable homes.

Robin Lawler

With more than 30 years’ experience in the housing sector and was New Initiatives Co-ordinator at Leeds City Council before becoming the Chief Executive of Northwards Housing in Manchester. He has served on a number of housing association boards as member and chair.