Initially managing a team of officers delivering a Tenure Blind Area Management Service which involved primarily work to address issues on a estates and the wider community. This involved working closely with partners, members of the Community and elected members to maintain high standards and identify potential improvements across South Shields, Cleadon and Whitburn. Representing South Tyneside Homes at Community Area Forums and Community Safety Forum. I was also responsible for monitoring and reporting on fire safety compliance within flats and complex buildings within the area.Since a review of the service in late 2023 I now manage a team of Housing Officers to provide a generic housing service with an emphasis on close engagement with residents and building strong partnerships to build strong communities and sustain tenancies.I have responsibility for monitoring and improving performance across the range of services ensuring that the team meet the organisations performance requirements in relation to income management, tenancy support and ensuring properties and services are delivered at the highest level.

I was responsible for the Council's engagement with the private rented sector including the development and operation of a private accreditation scheme. The role also included the investigation of illegal evictions and returning private homes to occupation using a range of measures including education, providing advice as well as statutory enforcement. I developed the council's approach to formatting case files and applications for Empty Dwelling Management Orders and subsequently attending property tribunals and making the orders. I also inspected private properties in accordance with the Housing Health and Safety System (HHSRS). During this period of employment I also enjoyed a period of secondment to work alongside colleagues delivering the Affordable Housing Program. My role was to liaise with customers affected by the demolition of their home to source suitable replacements either on a temporary of permanent basis and ensure their experience was a positive one they were happy with their new homes. I also liaised with wider community in relation to wide range of issues to fears over the introduction of Social Housing to their area to complaints about noise and dust during the development phase. I worked closely with builder at each step of the process and worked closely with local schools to deliver sessions to their pupils over site safety and provide a further link with community to the program.

This was an innovative and unique role within an Area Management Initiative, Improving Croft and Cowpen Quay (ICCQ) with the aim of providing a level of consistency in housing provision across all tenures. The role included closely working with residents to identify area for improvement in housing and service standards across all tenures. Close liaison with landlords and running an office with an open door policy for all members of the community. I also chaired Crime and Community Safety and housing theme groups working with the community and professional partners to tackle poor housing as well as crime and anti-social behaviour.The role also allowed me to develop infinitive solutions to housing problems linked to low demand and poor condition and develop further skills with other specialists in the initiative particularly in relation to health and wellbeing.

I worked as a generic Housing Officer covering all aspects of housing management including rent collection, income management, allocations and tenancy enforcement. During this period of employment I was involved in a number of regeneration schemes, both within the organisation, but also as part of Newcastle City Council's Going for Growth Programme to rejuvenate Newcastle's West End and Grainger Town Project returning residential homes to Newcastle City Centre.I was very successful in bringing stability to areas affected by low demand and anti-social behaviour by working closely with communities to bring about confidence in our services to sustain tenancies and encourage people to to return to the area.I managed a diverse rage of properties in areas as diverse as Elswick in Newcastle's West End and Kielder in rural Northumberland and employed a range of skills to manage of all aspect of the role succesfully.