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From the frontline – housing outreach worker Andrew Beard
Andrew Beard, housing outreach worker at Advance, shares what he likes about carrying out property inspections, as well as his views on greenfield land and Brexit
Tell us about your job.
I am the housing outreach worker for Cornwall. I also cover Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire. My job is to carry out property inspections of the communal areas, reporting repairs as necessary, as well as checking that the property is adhering to fire and health and safety polices. I also assist with tenancy inspections to ensure properties are being kept clean, tidy and in good repair. I deal with client rent accounts, too.
How did you get into housing?
I was made redundant last year after more than 32 years at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). I then got a temporary job as a finance officer at Cornwall Housing and after that I applied for my current post.
My housing experience is certainly growing. Apart from 15 years as an incident control officer at HMRC and the few months with Cornwall Housing, my housing experience was rather limited. I wanted a job with variety, rather than flying a desk all week.
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What is the best part of your job?
It’s the people that make the difference – from customers, their relatives, contractors, estate agents and support workers to our own staff. It is so great to meet so many new people and to visit so many different places. Who can argue against a job where you spend a part of your week driving around Cornwall?
What’s the worst part?
Although Cornwall is a beautiful county, driving in the summer traffic can really test your patience. I have to factor in a lot more time during that period when visiting our customers.
Days can be very busy with some customers needing more of your time than others. Some are lonely and need to chat a bit more, so when you’ve got a long list of visits and checks to do, flexibility and patience are key.
What would you change about the housing sector?
This is a difficult question for me. While I understand the need for more housing, I hate the sight of greenfield sites being turned into housing, so I would like to see a brownfield-only policy.
If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?
I would rather see Britain become a state of the USA than remain in the European Union. Yes, I’m a keen Brexiteer.
What’s the most private thing you’d be willing to admit to your colleagues?
I am a qualified cricket umpire.
