Meet Retirement Security's team

Providing a unique approach to later living for nearly 40 years

Retirement Security was established in 1983 with one goal. To offer a happy and secure environment for people to enjoy their retirement whilst keeping control of their hard-earned finances.

That was our vision then and it remains so today.

Our mission is to make your next move the best one yet. By setting up our courts to be run by owners, for owners, we empower you to do exactly that.

Today, Retirement Security offers hassle-free retirement living at 32 courts across the UK.

Meet the team

Hello, I’m Melanie, the CEO of Retirement Security.

Meet the team

Hello, I’m Melanie, the CEO of Retirement Security.

Meet the team

Hello, I’m Melanie, the CEO of Retirement Security.

My role as CEO is to protect and advance the Retirement Security legacy.

To do this, we must keep evolving. That’s where I’m able to use my years of experience in business development and optimisation.

This includes adapting systems and refining processes to make us more efficient. Meaning we’re better equipped to provide you with the best possible service. And ensure we can continue to do so well into the future.

Before joining RS, I spent six years as Head of Villages and Independent Living Schemes with Care for Anchor Hanover Group.

Going further back, my career has taken me across a variety of industries. I’ve worked in manufacturing, retail, and hospitality. All founded upon senior financial accounting positions with Bidvest Group.

Nick Chriscoli, Estate Director

Nick Chriscoli, Estate Director

Nick Chriscoli, Estate Director

Nick Chriscoli, Estate Director

Hi, I’m Nick. I’ve been with Retirement Security for over 10 years.

My role is to guide and support RS directors and court managers on property matters. But what does that mean for you?

It means I’m able to form a bridge between things that are happening across each court. And make sure the business is decisive in providing help and guidance to staff when needed.

I’m lucky that I can say I get a lot of satisfaction from my role. I enjoy fostering relationships and setting standards across the business. This helps us continue providing happy and fun environments for property owners.

Bob Bessell, Chairman of the Board.

Hello, I’m Melanie, the CEO of Retirement Security.

Bob Bessell, Chairman of the Board

Bob Bessell, Chairman of the Board

Hello, I’m Melanie, the CEO of Retirement Security.

It was over 40 years ago when I recognised that retirees wanted more living choices. Somewhere they could stay in control of their finances. And keep their independence - with support if they needed it.

So in 1983, I established Retirement Security.

The concept was simple but unique. Residential courts managed by those that lived there. Independent property owners coming together to form wonderful communities where everyone could thrive.

I believed in this model then and I still do today. That’s why, in 2010, my wife and I moved into Margaret Court. Here, I serve as Chairman of the Board and we both enjoy being active members of a thriving community.

I’ve taken a step back from the day-to-day running of RS. But I’m still as passionate as ever about helping people to enjoy later living. And I’m confident the team will continue the legacy for many more people to enjoy in the years to come.

Our head office team

Mark Wakeford

It was over 40 years ago when I recognised that retirees wanted more living choices. Somewhere they could stay in control of their finances. And keep their independence - with support if they needed it.

So in 1983, I established Retirement Security.

Mark Wakeford

Margaret Bessell

Linda Clements

Michelle Hackett

Additional Board of Directors

Mike Prince

Margaret Bessell

Mark Wakeford

Margaret Bessell

Michelle Hackett

Linda Clements

Michelle Hackett

Our head office team

Mike Prince

Financial Controller

I have been part of the RS team since 2009. I am a Chartered Certified accountant (FCCA) and prior to joining Retirement Security, I worked in an accountancy practice for several years. I handle all of the finance matters for RS and I also provide advice, support and training to our customers with their own accounts related matters. I enjoy interacting with all of the people at RS and the courts and being part of such a unique model.

Michelle Hackett

Wellbeing & Welfare Manager

My role within the company is focussed on the life fulfilment of our Owners. I work with the Services Managers and our Courts to ensure our Owners have access to the support and services they need to benefit their health and financial wellbeing. Having had a successful career as a Services Manager with Retirement Security for over 10 years, and formerly Local Government and The Law Society, effectively supporting others has always been at the heart of my work.

Mike Prince

Financial Controller

I have been part of the RS team since 2009. I am a Chartered Certified accountant (FCCA) and prior to joining Retirement Security, I worked in an accountancy practice for several years. I handle all of the finance matters for RS and I also provide advice, support and training to our customers with their own accounts related matters. I enjoy interacting with all of the people at RS and the Courts and being part of such a unique model.

I joined Retirement Security in April 2023 as a Bookkeeper in the finance team. I am excited to be working as part of the team in this interesting and varied finance role.

Wendy Steinheimer

Bookkeeper

Angela Jones

Finance and Company Secretary Assistant

I support our Financial Controller and Company Secretary, from processing invoices and payments to producing share certificates for new Owners and keeping Companies House entries up to date. I am also the go-to person for insurance matters.

Wendy Steinheimer

Bookkeeper

I joined Retirement Security in April 2023 as a Bookkeeper in the finance team. I am excited to be working as part of the team in this interesting and varied finance role.

Angela Jones

Finance and Company Secretary Assistant

I support our Financial Controller and Company Secretary, from processing invoices and payments to producing share certificates for new Owners and keeping Companies House entries up to date. I am also the go-to person for insurance matters.

Caroline Hassani

Human Resources Manager

I joined the company in 2018, with 27 years’ of knowledge and experience in HR. I hold an Associate Membership of the CIPD and I am a graduate of the Institute of Personnel and Development. I also hold a D32 and D33 qualification in workplace assessments (NVQs) and I am experienced in managing apprenticeships. I deal with all HR matters for the RSL team and for all the teams across our managed estate, including training and inductions.

Nick Payne

Administration Assistant and Resales Coordinator

I joined Retirement Security in 1995 and quickly progressed to administration assistant, and then to resales coordinator. In that role I help to keep the conveyancing of property sale running smoothly. I bring a wealth of operational experience and understanding of the company gathered throughout my time here and am frequently a fount of knowledge in supporting the team, generally. I feel a great sense of satisfaction from being able to help people wherever I can.

Nick Payne

Administration Assistant and Resales Coordinator

I joined Retirement Security in 1995 and quickly progressed to administration assistant, and then to resales coordinator. In that role I help to keep the conveyancing of property sale running smoothly. I bring a wealth of operational experience and understanding of the company gathered throughout my time here and am frequently a fount of knowledge in supporting the team, generally. I feel a great sense of satisfaction from being able to help people wherever I can.

I joined RSL in 2019 as PA to the Chairman and CEO. I am also Company Secretary and provide administrative support to the team. With over 25 years’ experience as a PA, I enjoy the variety my role brings as it allows me to use my degree in English and a broad range of skills from diary management, minute-taking and events management to engaging with our lovely customers.

Helen Gregg

Company Secretary and PA

I’m new to Retirement Security but I’m not new to sales. I’ve been in sales for 30 years and have worked with some of the biggest names in banking and financial services. I bring a wealth of experience that I’ll be using to help drive the business forward and support our developments around the country. I’m excited about the behind-the- scene developments taking place at the company and cannot wait to make a positive contribution.

Lynda Wright

Office Administrator - Resales

I joined RS in August, a really exciting time, when the business rebranded and the Sales Team was restructured. I am excited to be working for a well-established company, and bring with me a wealth of experience in the administration sector. Day to day, I am responsible for helping potential owners find their dream retirement property, and also offer support to everyone in the office.

I have recently joined RS as an apprentice business administrator. I am looking forward to working closely with the resales team and helping with general office-based administrative tasks, whilst applying the experiences gained to fulfil my course objectives.

Katie Hall

Administration Trainee

Helen Gregg

Company Secretary and PA

I joined RSL in 2019 as PA to the Chairman and CEO. I am also Company Secretary and provide administrative support to the team. With over 25 years’ experience as a PA, I enjoy the variety my role brings as it allows me to use my degree in English and a broad range of skills from diary management, minute-taking and events management to engaging with our lovely customers.

Lynda Wright

Office Administrator - Resales

I joined RS in August, a really exciting time, when the business rebranded and the Sales Team was restructured. I am excited to be working for a well-established company, and bring with me a wealth of experience in the administration sector. Day to day, I am responsible for helping potential owners find their dream retirement property, and also offer support to everyone in the office.

Katie Hall

Administration Trainee

I have recently joined RS as an apprentice business administrator. I am looking forward to working closely with the resales team and helping with general office-based administrative tasks, whilst applying the experiences gained to fulfil my course objectives.

Service Managers

The main responsibility of our Service Management team is to enable property owners to live their lives to the full. And to ensure they maintain their independence. To achieve this, our hard-working teams supervise the management arrangements of each court and define and manage service level agreements.

I have been part of the RS team since 2009. I am a Chartered Certified accountant (FCCA) and prior to joining Retirement Security, I worked in an accountancy practice for several years. I handle all of the finance matters for RS and I also provide advice, support and training to our customers with their own accounts related matters. I enjoy interacting with all of the people at RS and the Courts and being part of such a unique model.

Lin Sutcliffe

Services Manager

I joined Retirement Security in 2022 as a Services manager. I was originally in one of the RS courts as a Court Manager and had been for over ten years. I am well versed in how the courts operate and it made perfect sense for me to join the RS team and support the courts in the South of England. I am thoroughly enjoying my role which gives me variety and mental stimulation.

Lin Sutcliffe

Services Manager

I joined Retirement Security in 2022 as a Services manager. I was originally in one of the RS Courts as a Court Manager and had been for over ten years. I am well versed in how the courts operate and it made perfect sense for me to join the RS team and support the courts in the South of England. I am thoroughly enjoying my role which gives me variety and mental stimulation.

I have worked for RSL for three and a half years as a service manager and have worked in a variety of courts across the country to date. My background is in local government and most recently the care sector including 4 years working as a volunteer coordinator for my local hospice. I enjoy my job very much and love getting to know all the staff and Owners and at the courts.

Jane Welch

Services Manager

Jane Welch

Services Manager

I have worked for RSL for three and a half years as a service manager and have worked in a variety of courts across the country to date. My back ground is in local government and most recently the care sector including 4 years working as a volunteer coordinator for my local hospice. I enjoy my job very much and love getting to know all the staff and Owners and at the Courts.

Sean Armstrong

Services Manager

I joined the Retirement Security team at the end of 2019 following my emigration from South Africa. Having owned and run a property management company for 8 years, I bring business management and accounting skills to the team. I enjoy working with the courts and the Boards of Directors. Encouraging and growing people’s strengths, is one of my personal attributes.

Sean Armstrong

Services Manager

I joined the Retirement Security team at the end of 2019 following my emigration from South Africa. Having owned and run a property management company for 8 years, I bring business management and accounting skills to the team. I enjoy working with the Courts and the Boards of Directors. Encouraging and growing people’s strengths, is one of my personal attributes.