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From the frontline - Fleur Hemming
Fleur Hemming, community development manager at Bournville Village Trust, talks about pepper-potting social housing and watching The Crown
Tell us about your job.
My job is about bringing people together to create a community spirit, so their neighbourhood is a place they enjoy living in.
A usual day could involve a morning committee meeting to consult with residents and our trustees on a service that we’d like to change.
The afternoon could be spent with some of our young families and the ‘tea and tots’ group. Evenings are spent holding ‘estates dates’, talking to residents about issues affecting them or holding a welcome meeting to greet our newest residents and ensure they understand our services.
How did you get into housing?
I’ve worked in community development for many years. I began working in housing as a consultant for Bournville Village Trust when it was building a new community centre in Lightmoor, which I later became the manager of.
I found community development and involving residents was something that came naturally to me, and it’s developed over the years from there.
What is the best part of your job?
I love to see residents get involved and become passionate about what we do, spreading their understanding to other residents. No two days are ever the same; one day I could be sitting in a committee meeting and the next I’ll be helping older people do their online shopping.
What’s the worst part?
The negative way social housing tenants are looked upon in society really disappoints me. We need to do more to raise the profile of those who live in our homes – there are some amazingly talented and intelligent people out there.
What would you change about the sector?
I would like to see more housing associations move away from traditional tenant participation to the more holistic approach of community development that values the wider community and engages residents.
If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?
Professionally, I’d ask that all new large housing developments had a good percentage of social housing and used the Bournville Village Trust model of pepper-potting social housing, working in a tenure-blind approach. Personally, I’d say bring back Sundays off for everyone!
What’s the most private thing you’re willing to admit to your colleagues?
I have a thing for history, particularly royalty, and love watching dramatisations such as The Crown. I know some people think it’s boring!
