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From the frontline – contract manager (voids) and handyperson Paul Marden
Paul Marden, contract manager (voids) and handyperson at Network Homes, on the joy of seeing the looks on people’s faces when handing them their keys, and how he dreams of working somewhere warmer
Tell us about your job.
I’m responsible for key-to-key empty homes turnaround for all the properties that Network Homes rents, whether for social or market rent, or leased from private landlords. This varies from completing repairs to letting homes to the next resident.
Why housing?
When I returned from travelling in 2000 I noticed the increase in new buildings in and around London. I also saw the increase in demand for social housing and I thought I could make a difference.
What does a good day look like?
Ideally, it’s arriving at my desk to less than 50 emails! No – really, it’s showing families around their new homes and seeing the looks on their faces when they’re successful in securing a place to live.
And a challenging one?
When people vent their frustrations at us over the housing situation. Social housing lists are growing, and I think people sometimes take their anger out on the housing professionals.
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What’s the worst part of your job?
It’s knowing that for various reasons there aren’t enough larger family homes in certain areas.
What would you change about the sector?
My priority would be to develop larger family homes in key areas such as London.
What’s your dream job?
Working anywhere that has a better climate than England!
What advice would you be willing to give to your colleagues?
To be patient and to put yourself in a resident’s shoes, and try to understand their issues.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in housing?
I would say that the real key for any housing professional is to know your people and know your properties.
If you were prime minister for a day, what would you do?
My priority would definitely be to reduce homelessness.
What’s the most private thing you’d be willing to admit to your colleagues?
Well it’s not really a private thing, but I used to deliver Chris Tarrant’s newspapers as a boy!
