Executive team
By working closely with our Boards, our Executive team continually review our strategic direction, and consider new opportunities and approaches that will help our organisation to grow so we can make a real difference to even more people’s lives.
Anthony Duerden, Group Chief Executive
(01282) 686499
Anthony returned to The Calico Group as Director of Customer Services in 2011 after working for Community Gateway Association for three years as Head of Property Services. Anthony, who is a qualified accountant, had previously worked at Calico as Head of Finance before he made the move into Asset Management. Anthony is a former member of the Board of Lancashire Housing Partnership Ltd. Anthony is also a White Ribbon UK ambassador.
Helen Thompson, Group Deputy Chief Executive
BA (Hons), MSc, CIHM
(01282) 686431
Helen is the Group Deputy Chief Executive at Calico, responsible for the delivery of Calico’s services across the North West including affordable housing, construction, development, support, skills, employment and training, and care. Before gaining this role in 2018, Helen held a number of senior positions within the Calico Group with specialisms in neighbourhoods, communities and customer services. Helen is also an Executive Board member of Ring Stones – Maintenance and Construction.
Prior to joining Calico, Helen spent 7 years at Places for People in a range of housing roles including working directly with customers as a neighbourhood officer. Helen has an MSc from De Montfort University in Business for Housing, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Manchester University and an ILM 7 qualification in Leadership Coaching and Mentoring.
Chloe Christian, Executive Director of Finance
Chloe is the Executive Director for Finance for the Calico Group, joining the Group in 2021 initially as Director of Corporate Finance.
Chloe is responsible for providing financial leadership, leading on business planning, treasury management and financial management for the Group.
Prior to joining Calico in 2021, Chloe had spent over 20 years within the social housing sector, and has been the financial lead on two stock transfers in both Salford and Oldham.
Chloe has a breadth of both operational and and strategic financial experience within the not-for-profit sector and is passionate in contributing to make a real difference to peoples lives.
Vicki Webb - Executive Director of Calico Homes
Vicki is a highly experienced senior leader with over 25 years in the social housing sector, known for driving transformational change and delivering high-performing, customer-led services. She currently leads Calico Homes with a clear focus on ensuring that services are shaped by the voices of those who use them.
Her leadership style is grounded in transparency, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community impact – values that align closely with Calico Homes’ brand promise of enabling people to live their best lives. Vicki has successfully led large multi-disciplinary teams, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and value for money.
Before joining Calico Homes, Vicki held senior roles at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Equity Housing Group, and Six Town Housing. Her varied career experience includes strategic and operational leadership in areas including customer experience, governance, and performance management. She has a strong track record in successful service transformation and stakeholder engagement.
As an experienced Company Secretary, Vicki brings a robust understanding of governance and works closely with Boards and Committees to ensure accountability and strategic alignment. She is passionate about improving communication, building trust, and showcasing the positive impact of housing services on people’s lives.
James Macaree - Executive Director of Ring Stones
James is a seasoned construction professional with over 15 years of experience in site management, contract delivery, and operational leadership. As Executive Director of Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction, he leads a values-led, commercially capable business that reinvests all profits into the communities it serves and the ongoing development of the Ring Stones team. In addition James has oversight of Health & Safety oversight across the wider Calico Group.
Having progressed through roles from Site Manager to Managing Director, James brings deep technical expertise and a hands-on understanding of the construction sector. His leadership is defined by a commitment to quality, safety, and social impact, ensuring every project delivers not just commercial value, but meaningful community benefit.
Under James’s direction, Ring Stones has delivered flagship developments such as Dovestone Gardens, showcasing the company’s ability to combine professional excellence with ethical delivery. He works closely with commissioners, partners, and colleagues to position Ring Stones as a trusted partner in community transformation.
James is passionate about building a construction culture that prioritises transparency, sustainability, and long-term impact. His approach reflects Ring Stones’ brand promise: commercial excellence with a conscience.
Sarah Swanson - Executive Director of Syncora
Sarah leads Syncora, The Calico Group’s integrated health and wellbeing services, bringing together service offers across domestic abuse, substance misuse, homelessness, care, and employability. With over two decades of experience in health, social care and supported housing, she has built a career around improving outcomes for people at risk of disadvantage or facing complex challenges.
Before joining Calico, Sarah held senior roles at Nugent, Save the Children UK, and Knowsley Borough Council, where she led national portfolios and regional operations focused on children and families. Sarah leads with integrity and compassion with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed practice and multi-agency collaboration.
At Syncora and the Calico Group, Sarah champions a person-centred, joined-up approach, ensuring that services work together to create lasting change. She is passionate about building responsive systems that meet people where they are, and about driving innovation that reflects the lived experiences of people accessing support.
Her leadership is grounded in compassion, accountability, and a belief in the power of integrated support to transform lives.
