Chris - Financial Inclusion Officer

I was employed by Grampian Housing Association just over a year ago and work on the Financial Inclusion project. The aim is to enable tenants to manage their money effectively, to budget and to access main-stream financial products at an affordable rate. The project also provides money advice and debt counselling if things go wrong. Before moving to GHA I worked as a Money Adviser for a local charity. It came as a surprise to me just how many areas the Association is involved with – it’s certainly far more than rent and repairs.

The offices – both in Aberdeen and Elgin - are great places to work. I was made to feel very welcome when I started, plenty of people stopping-by to chat and the tea-breaks are always interesting. The induction programme here is good and I was given an excellent insight into all aspects of the Associations work – from the basics through to building sites! A new job always involves a steep learning curve, but everyone is friendly and approachable – there is a real team spirit.

My job isn’t predictable which means my diary is very varied. I get to visit tenants from across the whole area where GHA has properties – so I’m out of the office quite often. GHA is an excellent employer in terms of training opportunities and I’ve been fortunate to attend a number of courses and seminars which have helped me to offer even more to the tenants.

It’s been exciting working on the project and continuing to develop it. My project has external funding for another couple of years. The service to tenants is constantly getting busier and we’re looking at offering the service to other housing associations. I was anxious about leaving a small team to come and work for a larger organisation, but the working atmosphere here is excellent. GHA is not alone among employers in realising a happy work force can only be a positive thing for the profitability and success of the organisation.

Tamara – Housing Service Officer (Aberdeen)

I joined Grampian Housing Association (GHA) in May 2003. Although, there are many and varied roles within the company who employ about 70 staff, I work in the Housing Section within a small team of five.

My first, and lasting, impression of GHA is how friendly staff are. This certainly makes work more pleasurable.

I am currently a Housing Service Officer and would say that no two days are the same – you may have your diary planned but something usually occurs which means you have to postpone some work to another day (e.g. writing a profile!). This however, means that the job is varied, interesting and sometimes quite challenging – but that is what I like!

There are a number of aspects to my job:

• to allocate empty properties;
• deal with neighbour complaints;
• manage estates; and
• assisting with general tenant enquiries.

As with many jobs, there is a considerable amount of paperwork but the advantage of being a Housing Service Officer is the fact that you get out of the office to carry out inspections and home visits. This means you meet different people on a regular basis and getting out helps to break up your day.

I enjoy working for GHA because there is a good working environment, it has a modern approach to staff and it cares for its people as well as recognising those who work hard. In order to help with career progression all the necessary training is available – I have just completed a Masters in Housing by studying through day release course.