From the frontline - Louise Jones

What would you change about the sector if you could?

Funding. So much more is needed if we are ever going to be able to resolve the housing crisis.

How do you support tenants to pay their rent?

There are a number of ways residents can pay their rent and we are always looking to improve our technology so residents can choose what works for them. We also have our own in-house support services, including tenancy support advisors and employment and training co-ordinators, and fund two part-time Citizens Advice advisors. This is really useful as we can often fast-track residents for support through Citizens Advice without them having to join its waiting list.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I get such a sense of achievement when a resident says thank you. It makes all the difficult conversations worthwhile. There’s a real feeling of pride and job satisfaction when a resident achieves their own goals and I’ve been able to help with that.

“I’d look at the impact of Universal Credit.”

And the most challenging?

Delivering really difficult messages, attending court and trying to understand the system and what a judge is thinking, and waiting for Universal Credit payments.

What’s the first thing you’d do if you became prime minister?

Change Universal Credit. I’d look at the real impact it has on both residents and social landlords.

What would be your superpower and why?

I’d have two! One would be the power of persuasion, to be able to help residents understand the impact of not paying their rent and how to prioritise their money. The other would be to make it snow on demand. I love the snow.

What’s the most private thing you would be willing to admit to your colleagues?

I’m a bit of an open book; they already know about the weekend sambucas and table dancing that follows!