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From the frontline - Jean Fletcher
Jean Fletcher, customer and community manager at Wates Living Space, tells us about her work delivering modern-day slavery workshops
Tell us about your job.
My job is very multifaceted and diverse. I support tenants, clients and communities through the process of refurbishment and maintenance work to their social housing properties, ensuring they are happy and satisfied with the job taking place.
I promote and deliver social value activities, such as training and employability programmes, within the areas and communities we work, as well as supporting the bid team with winning tenders.
I also deliver modern-day slavery workshops to operatives, tenants and resident groups to make them aware of the issue and teach them how to act and report on any concerns. For spotting signs of slavery within the community, we teach people to look out for poor living conditions: some victims may live in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation.
How did you get into housing?
I started in a multi-disciplinary social services team, supporting adults and children. I love working with people and this passion led me to a customer service role, helping to improve the lives of people through the repair and upgrade of their homes.
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What’s the best part of your job?
‘Above all, it’s about people’ is the Wates Living Space strapline – and it really is true. I’m privileged to meet so many inspiring people from a wide range of backgrounds who do amazing work in keeping communities safe and well. Being able to support these people on a daily basis is a fantastic feeling.
And the worst part?
Seeing the poor living conditions of vulnerable tenants, partially due to the financial constraints of being dependent upon benefits or having serious health problems. Some don’t have sufficient funds to pay for the basics, like food and heat. I find that really distressing at times.
What would you change about the sector?
I would cap rents in the private rented sector and regulate landlords, so that all properties meet quality standards. I would also make it easier to enforce protection for tenants against ‘rogue’ landlords.
If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?
I’d remove the Right to Buy for all social housing. No government will ever be able to replace the stock that has been lost. It needs to stop and remain in use for those who need it most.
What’s the most private thing you’d be willing to admit to your colleagues?
I’d have to say my love for Michael Portillo!
