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From the frontline – social investment manager Anton Schultz
Anton Schultz, social investment manager at One Manchester, on tapping into people’s passions and creativity, his frustration at failed funding bids, and his musical endeavours
Tell us about your job.
My job is about making sure One Manchester understands the social impact of our work and ensuring that we have appropriate ways of tracking the outcomes of what we do to improve the areas and lives of the customers we work with.
It’s also about planning how we invest our resources to meet social needs and maximise the impact and value of what we do. I lead on the development of our social investment strategy, which we update annually to guide our approach.
I work with colleagues across the business as well as external partners, public agencies, local charities and social enterprises to develop solutions for local social issues.
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How did you get into housing?
I started at One Manchester about two-and-a-half years ago. Previously, I completed an MSc in real estate and property management and had worked at other associations as a consultant.
I was drawn to my role because of One Manchester’s proactive approach to social investment and innovation. I saw it as an opportunity to use my previous experiences to take a longer-term strategic approach within my home city.
What is the best part of your job?
I really enjoy working with customers to develop projects that can have a meaningful and lasting impact on people’s lives. Tapping into an individual’s passions and creativity can be very motivating and rewarding.
What’s the worst part?
It can be disappointing when funding bids fails and I am not able to progress some of the projects worked on.
If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?
Our political system is currently failing to tackle any of the longer-term environmental challenges we face.
A priority for me would be political reform. I think a system that moves away from party politics and towards better-informed policymaking is needed.
I would also look to take some immediate and significant actions to address environmental issues and reverse trends of increasing financial inequality.
What would be your superpower and why?
I’d like to be able to make the sun shine on demand – everyone is happier when it’s sunny.
What’s the most private thing you’re willing to admit to your colleagues?
I started a band last year. I’m not sure if it’s a mid-life crisis, but I’m enjoying playing guitar again.
