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From the frontline - Marian John
Inside Housing talks to Marian John about her role as lettings advisor at RHP and why she wants to be a genie
What does your job involve?
In a nutshell, I lead the customer through the process of first being allocated an RHP home from the council, right up to the point of handing them their keys. That said, it’s not quite as simple as that!
How did you get into housing?
I started as an administrator within the lettings team. Before this, I had been working in the financial sector and didn’t know much about housing. But as soon as I started, I developed a deep appreciation for how the work we carry out can positively benefit people’s lives.
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What would you change about the sector if you could?
I’d change the process of housing allocation and remove some of the red tape. I’d also like to see a more flexible process, especially for those who live in social housing but also work.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Without a doubt it is seeing the positive transformation that happens for people – from first meeting them to that special moment I hand them the keys to their new home. With many customers, you see across their face all of the things their new home will mean for them. It means that the next stage of their life can begin. It’s a really special feeling.
And the most challenging?
Though it doesn’t happen often, turning someone around who originally wanted to live in a different area is challenging. That said, I’ve had some of my most positive reactions from customers like this. One 70-year-old man had lived in his family home since the age of six. He initially did not want to move but needed to due to ill health. I turned him around with empathy, kindness and being very understanding. In the end he told me: “You were right all along.” As he took his keys, he even kissed my hand.
What’s the first thing you’d do if you became prime minister?
I’d try and narrow the gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’.
What would be your superpower and why?
I’d like to be a genie! I’d grant wishes to those who want to do good.
What’s the most private thing you would be willing to admit to your colleagues?
Every Christmas I work as part of a team that prepares and cooks a meal at my local church for those in need. We often cater for more than 80 people and by the end of it I’m always too exhausted to actually eat it myself.
