One to watch – Georgina Bavetta, service manager, tenancy sustainment, Islington Council

What’s your proudest work moment or biggest achievement?

I remain proud of the work I did as an officer, and miss the day-to-day contact with tenants.

I enjoyed income recovery work, helping people avoid falling into debt, and supporting those who were at risk of eviction to get back on their feet. I remember receiving a letter from a woman who told me that without my support, her family would have found themselves homeless. Remembering the difference we can make is what keeps me going, and I’m delighted to be leading a tenancy sustainment service, where my officers are making a difference to so many tenants every single day.

And what has been your hardest moment?

My time as a supported housing manager was really tough, as we were working with some very vulnerable people.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of professionals to offer a wrap-around package of support, on occasion we lost a tenant in tragic circumstances. It’s something that’s hard for everyone, and it’s an important part of the job to be able to reflect on how that’s affected you, but also not to let it overwhelm you.

As a wise person once said, if you always find the job upsetting, you should not be doing it, but if you never find the job upsetting, you should not be doing it either.

Who have been the most important people in your career so far?

I’ve been lucky enough to have had a series of incredible managers who have encouraged and empowered me.

I would not be where I am today without them. To namecheck a few, Debbie Chun at Wandle saw potential in me when I was an assistant, Alex Jones first put the idea in my head that I had what it took to be a manager when I never would have had the confidence to consider it, and Helena Stephenson, my current head of service, whose values align so closely to my own, and who works so hard to make Islington a better and more equal place to live.

If you could change one thing about the sector, what would it be?

I’d happily present a full manifesto if anybody is interested, but to keep it short and sweet, I’ll stick to ending the Right to Buy scheme. There is no justification for depleting the stock of social housing when we should be doing everything we can to maximise the amount of affordable homes on social rents.

Do you know an outstanding professional who deserves to be featured? Email jess.mccabe@insidehousing.co.uk with your suggestions