Colleague Spotlight: Property Compliance Officer Kelly

How did your career at Elim Housing begin?

I was with my previous organisation for 6 years and within this time I had moved around the department of Housing & Asset Management. When a Compliance post came up in our department, I knew the job was something I would enjoy. I never would have thought a temporary part time Estates admin role would put me on the path to property compliance, but I’m so glad it did.

Then Covid happened, and we all ended up working from home and I started to feel quite isolated with very few colleagues returning to the office. I knew I needed a change and a new challenge where I could be out meeting people. This is where my Elim career begun, and I was able to find a great work balance that suited my needs with a mix of working in the office, site visits and home working, allowing me to juggle childcare.

What does an average week look like for you and your team?

Working in compliance is never boring and if you find yourself becoming bored then compliance isn't for you. There's always so much to organise to make sure everything runs smoothly. I like to forward plan my compliance and try and complete early so I can hit my deadlines and report 100% in my KPIs every month. This also allows us to give our customers more notice when it comes to booking in their appointments.
I like to put schedules together for my contractors grouping together postcode areas so we're all working together more efficiently getting as many completed in one area at a time and also saving fuel and our contractors time!

We're currently implementing a new compliance system which is exciting, so my role is not only as the Compliance Officer, I will also be putting on a new hat as a Project Manager of the new system making sure it runs without a hitch. There will be lots of hard work involved inputting all the information, but with planning and structure within my team, I’m sure it will be great.

What do you think the challenges will be for compliance professionals in the housing sector for 2024?

Compliance gets updated all the time and you need to keep on top of new legislation making sure you are prepared of any new regulations that are coming in. My main focus for 2024 will be DMC – Damp, Mould and Condensation as this is very much in the spotlight at the moment. There is a lot of focus for this to make sure we are getting it right for our customers.

What do you get out of your role with Elim?

I get a great sense of satisfaction. I’m one of those people that like the T’s crossed and I’s dotted. I like a plan and a schedule where I can clearly see progress is being made.

I am also supported with my personal development and currently completing a level four Diploma in Asset and Building Management Compliance to further expand my knowledge. It's been hard juggling working full time, being a mum and studying, but I'm enjoying it and I get a lot of satisfaction when I see my assignments signed off. It's a real sense of achievement and I'm really proud of myself. You’re never too old to learn a new skill!

What can someone expect if they come and work for Elim?

To have job satisfaction and to feel part of a team. I've only been with Elim a short time but I have already been given a great deal of support from my team, especially my line manager Phil (Head of Asset Management). 

Colleagues have regular 121's, looking at workload, priorities and any work targets you want to meet the following month. This includes working together to make that happen, we are all in it together.

I have also found that colleague wellbeing is a top priority for Elim with Mental Health First Aiders on hand to provide advice and signposting if needed as well as regular mindfulness sessions and colleague perks.

I would say that if you want to feel like you belong, then come to work at Elim.

If you are interested in a career in social housing, we would love to hear from you. You can find all our current roles here. Alternatively please contact us at hr@elimhousing.co.uk for further information on kick starting your career in social housing.