Employee testimonials
These are exciting times to be joining South Tyneside Homes. Don't just take our word for it though - here are some testimonials from some of the key people who have recently joined us:
- Leon Cowley - Corporate Environment Officer, Development Team
- Andrea Dickson - HR Business Partner
- Mark Whittle - Director of Investment
- Liam Caffrey - Customer Service Advisor
- Paul Thompson - Head of Housing Services
- Heather Fenwick - Head of Service Improvement
- John Musson - Director of Housing and Service Improvement
- Andrew Barclay - Surveyor
Leon Cowley - Corporate Environmental Officer, Development Team
After successfully completing an MSc in Environmental Management in December 2008, I was very keen to find a company and role where I could develop the knowledge and skills I had gained from the course.
This has certainly been the case since joining South Tyneside Homes in the summer of 2009. The company and staff have proved to be refreshingly forward thinking and receptive to new ideas. Within the first 9 months I have been involved in project managing the largest Renewable Energy Project of its type in the North East.
With regards to environmental issues there is a lot of talking and discussion that goes on but not a lot of action. This has not been the case with South Tyneside Homes who are a 'doing' company not a talking shop company, this is largely a result of the commitment shown by staff and management.
Andrea Dickson - HR Business Partner
When I saw the advert for Senior HR & OD Advisor I was impressed by the professional image portrayed by the company. The recruitment process was exceptionally efficient and during my interview it was easy to identify the passion and commitment management felt for the company.
I have been with the company now for two years and I have really enjoyed working here. The staff are friendly, enthusiastic and want the best for the tenants of South Tyneside.
I have had the opportunity to join a number of focus groups which has given me a better understanding of the company as a whole and I have been impressed by the wide range of staff benefits available including never having to pay for another check up at the dentist!!! The company is really committed to the staffs wellbeing and all have recently had the opportunity to have a Health MOT along with initiatives such as Fruity Friday and smoking cessation. The company also holds an annual 'Star Awards' event which is to celebrate staff contributions and also recognise long service.
Working for South Tyneside Homes has been and continues to be a great experience.....
Mark Whittle - Director of Investment
The attraction to South Tyneside stemmed from a family holiday a few years ago around the North East coast. Our journey started at the Souter Lighthouse, travelling along the coastal path towards South Shields across on the ferry to the north side of the bay then meandering along the coastal paths towards Alnwick and finally Berwick-upon-Tweed. The scenery was breathtaking, and the friendliness of the North East people only added to the enjoyment of the holiday.
So when a post for Director of Investment was advertised I saw this as an opportunity not only to take up the challenges that a new ALMO would bring for staff and tenants alike, but also an opportunity for me to live and work in an environment which I would not only thrive in, but relish in the culture and diversity that belongs with Tyneside and the North East as a region.
I researched the ALMO through its web site and spoke to their newly appointed Chief Executive as well as the Interim Director, about their views on the organisation. Their opinions were fantastic. As you know, you can just pick up in peoples tones about energy and drive to succeed and this really excited me and I wanted to be part of this organisation.
I have now been here just over nine months and the time has just literally whizzed by, the company and staff have achieved an awful lot in a short time. We have commenced with our Decent Homes Programme; we have done some outstanding work with the community and local schools. The staff are just brilliant in the effort and time they all put into everything they do. I suppose the recent award of Gold Status in Investors in People says it all really.
Liam Caffrey - Customer Service Advisor
Having previously worked for a neighbouring council I decided I needed a new challenge. When I saw the job advert for a Housing Support Officer, it looked like a perfect opportunity to match my skills and abilities.
I joined South Tyneside Homes in February 2010 and immediately felt at home. As I hoped the role of Housing Support Officer was both challenging and varied. My colleagues made me feel welcome and shared their knowledge with me to help me along in the first few weeks. I was given a comprehensive induction which built my knowledge of the company further.
In August 2010 an opportunity came up to join the newly formed Housing Services Centre and I applied for the role of Customer Service Advisor. I decided to apply for this role as I wanted to be part of the new team, helping our customers with their queries at the first point of contact. I was successful with my application and have been part of the team since September 2010.
I have attended numerous training courses, completed an ITQ qualification and gained a City & Guilds Level 2 Customer Care qualification. All of these qualifications are a vital part of becoming an excellent Customer Service Advisor.
The company has many benefits for employees such as Westfield Medical Plan, Flexitime and a generous holiday entitlement.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with South Tyneside Homes so far and know there is a lot more for me to gain here in the future.
Paul Thompson - Head of Housing Services
When I saw the advert for Head of Housing Services at South Tyneside Homes, it literally jumped off the page at me. Having worked in the social housing sector in the North East for 24 years, including 4 years at a neighbouring ALMO, which had been awarded 3 stars, I had followed the significant progress which had been made in the company since the ALMO was established in 2006.
The Audit Commission inspection report, which I had already read, highlighted so many positive changes and improvements, so I knew this was an opportunity to work in a forward thinking, fast moving organisation that wants to make a real positive difference to the people it serves.
During the selection process I met a number of senior managers in my service who had enthusiasm, passion for change and who championed customer service. The experience, vision and 'can do' attitude of my Director and Chief Executive who interviewed me, told me everything I needed to now when deciding to accept the job.
Having worked for the company since October 2008, I am proud to have played a part in our continued progression, and we have a brilliant team spirit, working towards the delivery of our vision and strategic objectives. For me it's easy to say, making the move to South Tyneside Homes has been the best move of my career.
Heather Fenwick - Head of Service Improvement
I was born and brought up in the North East and after living away for a number of years I have returned to live and work here. There is nowhere else like it! We are lucky to have lots of cultural and entertainment opportunities in the area, along with fabulous scenery on the doorstep in all directions, including the Northumberland coast and the Cheviot Hills.
I joined South Tyneside Homes in January 2009 and have loved my first 14 months here. My impression when I came for interview was one of an enthusiastic management team that would be a great bunch of people to work with. I am now enjoying being part of that team and seeing the results that a very positive culture here.
There is a great desire amongst employees for South Tyneside Homes to be recognised as an excellent organisation and we have an exciting service improvement programme to deliver. This would be an ideal time for someone to join us and be part of the great things that we are achieving.
John Musson - Director of Housing and Service Improvement
I came to work for South Tyneside Homes as an Interim Manager in December 2007, to cover the vacant role of Director of Housing. I was very committed to my career as an interim but by mid 2008, when the post was not filled first time around I started to question myself why I had not applied for the post permanently because I was enjoying myself so much. During my interim period we changed large parts of the organisation, restructuring most of the housing directorate through the successful 2 star inspection improving performance. I also prepared and led the directorate through the successful 2-star inspection process. This was a really exciting time for South Tyneside Homes.
The introduction of a new senior management team started to firm up the organisation, create a new drive and enthusiasm and the culture started to change throughout. Being personally involved in the recruitment process of a number of these key new senior people confirmed to me that I wanted to stay and work for South Tyneside Homes, to be part of the new team. A crucial factor in this decision was also the appetite and enthusiasm of managers and staff across the organisation to embrace change. I applied and was successfully appointed in late 2008.
We have developed this organisation significantly. We have involved staff and customers in our new strategic corporate planning process, we have new focused service plans and are starting on our journey towards our next inspection and hopefully will gain 3 stars and an excellent rating. We have also just been awarded the Gold Status Investor in People Award. We are starting to formulate exciting plans with the Council to secure our future after Decent Homes, being involved in the development and management of new homes and services in South Tyneside.
Andrew Barclay - Surveyor
After working throughout the UK as a contracting electrician in the private sector, I began to look for an opportunity to join an organisation closer to home. I was extremely lucky to then join South Tyneside Homes, an organisation operating within my local borough and one which friends and family also worked for. I have been here now for just over four years and have really enjoyed working within a very friendly organisation.
During this time I have been given the chance to work in various roles, with my current role being within Property Services as an Electrical Surveyor.
I am also extremely grateful for the fact that South Tyneside Homes has recognised and fully supported my ambitions to develop further in my career. Since being here I have been sponsored through an Electrical Engineering HNC and I am currently reading for a Building Services qualification.
The Property Services Team are fantastic to work with and have bags full of construction knowledge and experience. Everyone is keen to offer support when it is needed.
I hope that I can continue working with like-minded individuals in the team, who I know share the same ambitions for success as me.
