From the frontline - Jim Playle

Tell us about your job.

I work with colleagues, other agencies and our residents to tackle community-wide issues. My job involves empowering our residents to make a positive contribution to ensure they live in safer, more attractive places.

Why housing?

After 23 years working for the Post Office, I wanted a job that enabled me to make a difference to people’s lives. Housing provides that. I started working for BPHA 14 years ago and I feel I’ve had the opportunity to bring about some really positive changes to many neighbourhoods and to the people living there.

What does a good day look like?

I just love it when a plan comes together! I recently worked on a project that brought together a number of partner agencies to tackle some anti-social behaviour issues affecting our customers. To be able to get buy-in from a number of organisations and know that our joint efforts will enable us to bring about change is a real buzz.

And a bad one?

Any day I feel I haven’t been able to achieve what I’d set out to do, or not met someone’s expectations, is a bad day. I think I’ve got pretty high personal standards when it comes to customer service.

What would you change about the sector if you could?

I would rethink the affordable housing strategy. While I want as many people as possible to reach their ambition of homeownership, I would like to see more high-quality homes built for rent.

What’s the most private thing you’d admit to colleagues?

It’s far too naughty to commit to print – if they want to know they’ll have to come and ask me.

What is your dream job?

In all honesty, I think I’ve got it. Obviously if Halle Berry’s personal assistant role becomes available I may have to reassess my future career options, but until then I’m very happy with where I am.

If you were prime minister for a day what would you do?

I would get out from behind my desk and go out into the real world to speak to some of the people who have been most affected by the decisions I made the day before.