When did you join Launchpad?

I started in October 2020, but I’ve moved around quite a lot in my time here! I started as a Floating Support officer, then I spent 6 months on secondment to Supported Housing, went back to Floating Support for a few months and was then lucky enough to get the Housing Manager role in September 2022.

What brought you to Launchpad?

I was working as homeless prevention officer at Bracknell Council, but I wanted to work closer to home after 11 years of commuting. I enjoy working in housing and homelessness and had heard of Launchpad through the pancake race, so it was ideal as it allowed me to continue helping people with housing issues, and I can now walk to work!

What does your role entail?

I am part of the housing team, and between us – 2 housing officers, 4 caretakers and an income officer – we act as the landlord for clients in Launchpad supported housing. We deal with collecting the rent, sorting out any repair issues, helping clients move, general maintenance and upkeep of the properties, and making sure any empty properties are ready to be re-let as soon as possible, among many other things!

What is your career background?

I started working at HMV after I finished University, then I worked for a couple of local authorities for a total of about 15 years, firstly in income recovery, then in benefits and later in homeless prevention. I’ve worked in housing for most of my career now!

What are the challenges of your job?

We manage 20 properties and are the landlord for over 100 clients, so I have to be very organised and able to manage my time so that I can deal with any urgent issues which may arise, such as major repairs or having to support clients to move in to or out of our properties at the last minute. It can be much more reactive than I am used to with most of my previous jobs, which is something I am still getting used to.

What do you particularly like about the role you have?

I have a really great team, who are hard-working and passionate about helping people with housing issues, and who genuinely want to make a difference to peoples’ lives. I’m also quite new to housing management, having previously been a support worker, and everyone has been very supportive in helping me settle in to the new role.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy watching football, and I am a season ticket holder at Reading Football Club (not very enjoyable at the moment!). I also like listening to music and going to gigs, and spending time with my wife and two children, who are one and six.

You can read about more of our staff and volunteers here.