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From the frontline – pledge officer Gavin Edmonds
Gavin Edmonds, pledge officer at Wheatley Group, talks about helping customers into work, working with foodies and singing Disney songs
Tell us about your job.
I work in Wheatley Group’s Foundation team, and I help deliver our employability programme, Wheatley Works. I oversee a team that helps customers access training or move into work by helping people with CVs, job searches and in-work support. I work with employers to help maximise opportunities and support for our customers to get sustainable jobs.
How did you get into housing?
I was working for a homelessness charity in Edinburgh and was seconded to Dunedin Canmore, now part of Wheatley, to help set up an employability support programme. I’ve always wanted to help people, and in housing I get to do that in more ways than just employability.
What is the best part of your job?
Helping people get the job they want, and seeing the difference it makes to them and their families is brilliant. I get to help a lot of people back to work, so I’m almost always happy!
I’d better say my team, too. They’re all great.
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What’s the worst part?
Working in a team full of foodies. I always try to eat healthily, but when my colleagues start talking about meals they’re eating, my willpower quickly drains and I end up going for a pizza.
What would you change about the housing sector?
Increase the availability of affordable housing. Too many people are homeless or pushed into poverty by having to pay private rents. People get trapped on benefits because they wouldn’t be able to afford the rent if they were working. There’s no reason for homelessness rates to be so high.
If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?
A day might not be enough. I’d try to secure the NHS; direct funds from private contracts to support social enterprises; maybe high-five the Queen; and challenge Donald Trump to a one-on-one game of basketball and beat him at his own national sport.
What would your superpower be?
Mind control. As a kid I always wanted to be a Jedi and control people’s minds – especially when I’m speaking to the foodies. Obviously I’d use it only for good.
What’s the most private thing you’d be willing to admit to your colleagues?
I occasionally belt out Disney songs on the karaoke machine with my daughters. I’m not that good, but it helps their confidence. Our current favourite is How Far I’ll Go from Moana.
