Movers and shakers this week
David Probert
David Probert has become director of new product development at Blick, a company that provides security, communication and time management products.

He joins from Madge Networks, where he was vice-president of business development.

Sue Grainger
Sue Grainger has become housing practice manager at Yorkshire Metropolitan Housing in Huddersfield.

She previously worked for Anchor Trust as a business manager.

Steve Hale
Affordable housing builder Lovell has appointed Steve Hale area manager for the East Midlands. He joins from Mansell, where he was chief quantity surveyor.

John Laing Partnership
John Laing Partnership has started a graduate training scheme in an attempt to lure the best graduates into the affordable housing sector.

The 12-month scheme is for graduates with a good construction-related degree. They will be assigned to a specific department and will be paid a salary of £19,000, rising to £25,000 on qualification. For more details, email recruitment@jlaingpartnership.co.uk

Job of the week

Name
Chris Grose
New job
Customer services officer for Carrick Housing, an ALMO in Cornwall
Old job
Area housing support officer for Carrick Housing
What do you do?
“I help answer all enquiries relating to housing, from explaining what an ALMO is to dealing with complaints like nuisance neighbours. “I explain everything I can then pass it on to the relevant housing officer. I’m right on the front line.”
What do you like about it?
“I enjoy meeting the public; also everything’s different every day, so you don’t know what to expect.”
Any advice for someone aspiring to your role?
“It’s handy to have good background knowledge because you have to think fast on your feet to answer quickly. “Also, you should try to get hold of your ALMO literature and read your policy and procedure booklets. Learn as much as you can about the organisation and housing, it will really help.”
Who’s your role model?
“Probably my mum or dad because they are really happy in life and if I could reach that level of happiness at that age, I would be sorted.”
What’s your favourite film?
“The Matrix.”
What’s your favourite TV programme?
“Only Fools and Horses.”
Hobbies
“Football, surfing and golf.”
What do you do to relax?
“Socialise with friends, go to the beach, play sport or go sailing.”
What’s your dream job?
“To run a nightclub in Newquay – that would be good.”
Housing situation
“I live with my parents.”

Source

Housing Today