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From the frontline - Kathryn Webber
Kathryn Webber, customer first co-ordinator at Your Housing Group, talks about a rewarding regeneration project
What does your job involve?
My job really is one where no two days are the same. But essentially, I am the link between our customers and Your Housing Group’s regeneration team.
I set up community working groups, carry out consultations, support our contractors and ensure we find the right opportunities for our customers.
How did you get into housing?
I was a teenager when I started my career, so I have 16 years of experience in the industry. I started as an apprentice in supported housing when I left school.
My role evolved quickly, and I began to learn more about customer training. It was a natural step into the frontline role.
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What would you change about the sector?
Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions about social housing.
I really believe that communities thrive when they are fully integrated and that’s something we live by at Your Housing Group.
Tell us about a good moment from your job.
I recently worked with children in an area of Greater Manchester that is about to be regenerated. We worked with a local school to plant flowers in the nearby communal garden.
It encouraged them to take pride in their neighbourhood.
What does a good day look like?
Spending time with customers and making a difference – anything from working on a new project to supporting people through one of our working groups.
I was part of Your Housing Group’s regeneration of Anfield from the start; it’s hugely rewarding to see how our work has transformed the area.
How about a bad one?
Reacting to situations can be really challenging, especially reprioritising our workload. We’d all rather be proactive, but reactive issues can be rewarding too, if it means resolving a problem for our customers.
What’s the first thing you’d do if you became prime minister?
Work with housing associations to change people’s misconception of social housing. I’d like them to see how social housing providers can transform communities.
Other than that, I’ve always wanted to have a cup of tea with the Queen.
What’s the most private thing you’d be willing to admit to your colleagues?
I’m quite an open person and I think that’s what helps me do my job well, so there isn’t really anything they don’t already know.
