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From the frontline – Kelly McArthur
Kelly McArthur, head of lettings at Sovereign, talks about the need to change the perception of the sector
Tell us about your job.
It’s my job to consider the best way of letting Sovereign’s properties, making sure we’re helping the right people into the right homes.
With nearly 57,000 properties and around 3,500 lets per year, it’s a balance between wanting to provide homes to those in the most need but also considering the more commercial element of being able to secure our rental income over the long term.
How did you get into housing?
I was looking for a career change and applied for a role as a tenancy support advisor, and it really opened my eyes to the diverse needs within our society. I found this quite a shock but it left me wanting to make a difference and an impact on people’s lives.
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What is the best part of your job?
The best part is hearing stories of how a new home can change lives, whether that’s because it’s a safe place for a family to come together or helping someone to overcome addictions and settle in a home and job.
What’s the worst part?
There isn’t really a worst part but it can be quite challenging at times. One of the most challenging things I’m facing is probably the restrictions in place around how we let our homes.
What would you change about the housing sector?
I would like to change the perception of social housing, so it’s viewed in a much more positive light. I feel like we sometimes take a bit of a bashing, when in reality we are a solution for many people struggling in our society. It seems that only the negative stuff makes a good news story and all the positive work we do is ignored.
If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?
There are lots of things I’d like to do, but I would focus on the role of housing minister. In the past 21 years there have been 16 different housing ministers, and the past few have only been in post a matter of months.
If I was prime minister I would focus on getting the right person in the job and keeping them there – someone who understands the sector and is passionate about helping to solve the current housing crisis.
What’s the most private thing you’re willing to admit to your colleagues?
I’m quite ashamed to admit that I love the Celebrity Big Brother series. I’ve been watching since the very first series of Big Brother in 2000. That’s quite an admission to make!
