From the frontline - Anna Green

Tell us about your job.

My job involves investigating anti-social behaviour and breaches of tenancy. I work with partner agencies to create safer communities where people want to live.

How did you get into housing?

I wanted to be a teacher but after university I wasn’t sure any more. I applied for an admin officer post with Magenta Living and within a few months I was promoted to estate officer. I started to relish my role and was able to specialise in dealing with anti-social behaviour. This is my 10th year at Magenta Living.

What would you change about the sector if you could?

The lack of affordable housing - it’s disheartening to see so many empty properties that could be put back into circulation to ease the strain. This alone won’t fix the problem, but doing nothing is contributing to the overall problem indirectly. The focus needs to shift from relying on private organisations and towards the value of associations and their contribution to the UK housing market. For too long housing associations have had a reputation for only helping the most vulnerable, which isn’t always the case.

What’s the best thing about your job?

When residents tell me they have had the best night’s sleep in a long time following action taken against their ‘nightmare’ neighbours. Or that their children have been able to play outside without fear of being targeted by groups of youths behaving in an anti-social way or dealing drugs on the streets. I share my successes with the partner agencies I work with.

And the most challenging?

Convincing a court that it is necessary to evict a family when all other interventions have failed. Eviction is not a measure of success. As a housing provider, our aim is to create sustainable tenancies and communities where people can thrive. However, we also accept that occasionally it is necessary for people to lose their homes as a result of their behaviour if it interferes with the rights of others to enjoy their homes.

What is your dream job?

To work for the United Nations (UN), specifically UNICEF or the UNHCR - the UN’s refugee agency.

What’s the first thing you’d do if you became prime minister?

I would look at the policies on maternity leave and the rate of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). After having my first child, I was stressed about making ends meet because SMP was so low and I felt I returned to work too early because of financial commitments.

What would be your superpower and why?

I would love to be able to fly and explore the world!