From the frontline - Yvonne Lemonius

Tell us about your job.

I lead and support the team responsible for the recovery of leasehold service charges.

How did you get into housing?

I fell into housing. I started working for Lewisham Council in 2000 on a temporary basis. I enjoyed it so much I accepted a full-time post while I studied for my degree in information systems and business.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I like that no two days are ever the same. Obviously there are challenges with collecting money; there’s hardship. But it’s when you resolve those challenges that you get real satisfaction.

And the most challenging?

Recovering major works charges! We work hard to build relationships with leaseholders to support them with paying for major works. Some leaseholders don’t know they may be entitled to financial support, home help and benefits. We can signpost them to other support services.

What is your dream job?

To own a restaurant. I’m very creative. I’m known as the ‘cook-up queen’ in my team! We cook for each other a lot because work is like a second home for us. We’re like family. I love making savoury starters like salt fish fritters, dumplings, or ackee and salt fish.

What does a good day look like?

Yesterday was a good day. I had a really full diary and I managed to get through everything. I had interviews on, I prepared for each of my team’s development reviews, and I managed to see my grandkids in the midst of all this!

How about a bad day?

I don’t have any! No, of course we all have bad days. For me it’s when time is wasted. Every minute of every working day is precious and needs to be spent wisely.

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

I would look at the retirement age. When I started working at 16, the idea of working until I’m 68 would not have been something to look forward to.

What would your superpower be and why?

To make everyone happy. I think when you’re happy, you’re at your best.

What’s the most private thing you’d admit to a colleague?

I’ve opened up to them about health issues. That’s testament to how much I think of my team as family.