You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
From the frontline - Helen Coulson
Helen Coulson, allocations and lettings manager at Jigsaw Homes Group talks about working with tenants, providing more homes for vulnerable people and having a fear of heights
Tell us about your job.
I manage a team responsible for the allocation and letting of Jigsaw Homes Group’s new build properties, and as one of the largest social housing developers nationwide, this keeps us very busy. Day-to-day the team will liaise with development teams and future tenants, advertise the properties with the relevant councils, interview applicants, conduct accompanied viewings and eventually the happy day of handover and sign-ups. It sounds quite simple but we’re always kept on our toes.
How did you get into housing?
After finishing university well-qualified but probably under-experienced, I managed to get a job as a floating support worker in Manchester. This gave me first-hand experience into the housing-related problems that so many people face and it introduced me to the idea of housing as a career – not something I’d ever considered before. From this role, I got a graduate trainee position at Chorley Community Housing, now part of the Jigsaw Homes Group. I moved around in different roles and teams before finally settling in lettings and tenancy matters three years ago.
What is the best part of your job?
There is nothing more rewarding than being able to offer a brand new property to someone who needs it and seeing this through from start to finish is a great feeling. Whatever a person’s individual circumstances, and people come to us from all walks of life, a new property can be life-changing and it’s a privilege to work in a team that helps facilitate this. I’m also lucky enough to work with great colleagues who are equally passionate about what they do.
READ MORE
What’s the worst part?
Unfortunately for every person we are able to house, there will be many more still waiting. There is a particular shortage of ground-floor adapted accommodation, particularly for families, and having to explain to applicants with disabilities or disabled children, that there is nothing we can offer them is heart-breaking.
What would you change about the housing sector?
Building more homes for social rent is definitely the first thing. In addition to this I’d want to see more support for the more vulnerable in our society, particularly entrenched rough sleepers, to access and sustain tenancies. With increased political and media attention on the issue of homelessness, it seems like a great opportunity to tailor housing and support services to tackle the barriers facing rough sleepers.
If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?
I would take a fresh look at welfare reform including a pause and re-think of Universal Credit. In my mind, trying to solve the housing crisis through building more homes is only addressing half of the problem; if welfare reforms are pushing people further into poverty and debt then even social housing becomes unsustainable. The increase in food banks tells me that the current system simply isn’t working.
What’s the most private thing you’re willing to admit to your colleagues…
I have a fear of heights and not many people know this but on my first day as a support worker I had a panic attack trying to cross an unexpectedly high bridge to the office. I ended up flagging down a taxi to take me 250 yards to the other side, which was a bit embarrassing. Needless to say, I found an alternative route to work after that!
Homes 2018
Homes 2018 is the premier event experience for those working at a high level in residential development, strategic asset management and procurement.
As well as Kit Malthouse, housing minister, as the closing keynote speech, there will be conference sessions on the world’s tallest modular towers, micro-living and the UK’s largest self and custom build community.
Plus, find the latest product innovation and meet over 120 exhibitors, while networking with 4,000+ industry peers.
Homes 2018 will take place at Olympia, west London on November 28 and 29.
