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From the frontline - Ruth Barnett
Ruth Barnett, neighbourhood manager, Acis, talks about the variety of her role
Tell us about your job.
I cover all aspects of social housing, including allocation of empty properties, rent collection, anti-social behaviour and other issues such as repairs.
On top of that, I get to deal with complaints – as well as any positive feedback, of course. The neighbourhoods team that I manage really is the first point of call for customers. Between us we look after more than 1,800 customers. That’s a lot of people to get to know!
How did you get into housing?
Having done geography at university I wanted to go into some sort of environmental or energy efficiency-type role. I met my then-manager at a networking event and they were interviewing for an environmental co-ordinator position at a housing association.
I secured this role during my final year at university and found a passion for housing. I went on to be a neighbourhood officer and a service manager, and then moved into my current role of neighbourhood manager.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is how varied it is. One day I could be meeting with contractors regarding estate improvement works, the next I could be representing the organisation in court for tenancy breaches. It’s not your normal 9-5 job and you feel that you make a big difference to people’s lives.
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What’s the worst part?
Probably having confrontational conversations with customers. These can be quite difficult to have as you are usually discussing sensitive matters. You come across customers who are upset and aggressive, and it’s your job to diffuse the situation and try to help them as best you can.
What would you change about the sector?
It needs more money. Funding cuts have really taken a toll on developments and jobs, as in most other industries. Housing is in demand more than ever before and there needs to be more money put aside for housing organisations to build more and develop housing professionals to take this on.
If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?
I’d ban bulk sales of gig tickets. It’s infuriating when you can’t get any tickets because those dodgy websites have bought them all!
What’s the most private thing you’re willing to admit to your colleagues?
I have an older brother who died before I was born. I miss him every day and I’ve never even met him. I often think of him and what he would be like.
