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From the frontline - Stacey Roberts

Stacey Roberts, neighbourhood officer at Swan Housing Association, talks about how she wants Universal Credit to change and her dreams of being a dancer in the West End

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From the frontline - Stacey Roberts #ukhousing

Tell us about your job

I deal with all aspects of a person’s tenancy apart from their rent.

This means that I do viewings and sign people up for their new home, facilitate mutual exchanges, carry out inspections of estates and homes, deal with low-level anti-social behaviour complaints, and offer support and referrals for residents.

Neighbourhood officers are residents’ first port of call if they have any problems.

How did you get into housing?

When I was 17 I lived in Swan’s Cranes Court Foyer, a supported housing unit for young people.

While living there I heard about a basic skills computer course that Swan – then known as Basildon Community Housing Association (BCHA) – was running.

I attended the course and when it was coming to the end, the trainer told me that there was a vacancy at BCHA as a housing assistant.

I applied and the rest is history. Nearly 16 years later, I’m still here!


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What do you most enjoy about your job?

I enjoy the variety. Sign-ups are my favourite part as I love giving people the keys to their new home.

I also enjoy estate action days when the whole team gets together to make a difference to our communities, and problem-solving – I get to resolve problems for a lot of people.

What do you find most challenging?

I find repairs issues one of the most challenging aspects of this job because I do not have the skills.

I’m often the first port of call for a resident who has a problem and I then relay the problem to Axis, our repairs partner which has a far better understanding of the issues than I do.

Anti-social behaviour problems are also challenging, especially when I have to deal with people who have different opinions about the same situation.

What would you change about the housing sector?

I would work to provide more houses for the people who need them. Working in the South East I see how difficult it is for people to get a home of any tenure.

If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?

I would make changes to the Universal Credit system and get rid of the six-week wait before people in need receive their benefit payments.

I’ve seen first hand how much of a struggle it is for people as they wait to receive their payments.

What is the most private thing you’re willing to admit to your colleagues?

That my dream job is to be a dancer in West End shows!

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