With a background of working on construction sites, the move into social housing and a more corporate world was one that took a little adjustment. After working at Wigan and Leigh Housing for a short period I joined Stockport Homes about 15 years ago as a Technical Officer where I was able to call on my technical knowledge to fulfil the role. I then moved to the Investment Team as a Project Leader leading on a variety of improvement projects before being appointed to manage the whole Investment Team.
My current role as Head of Building Safety to lead a new team was created in response to the Grenfell tragedy. As at Stockport Homes Group we take the safety of our customers seriously. Overseeing various projects relating to fire safety during my time in the Investment Team allowed me to build a wealth of experience in this area and it became a specialism that stood me in good stead for obvious reasons.
Developing and implementing a new team was a challenge I relished, but when it carries the importance that Building Safety does, I can’t help but feel privileged to be in the position I am. Ensuring the organisation meets with current and upcoming legislation is one of our main objectives but it is the safety of our residents that takes precedence with the terrible events at Grenfell Tower on 14th June 2017 continuing to be at the forefront of my mind.
What has become clear over the last few years is that Building Safety is not just about fire, it is much more and wide varied than that. Through a variety of different seminars, working groups and forums relating to Building Safety I have been able to set objectives for us as an organisation to work towards. These undoubtedly will be subject to change as the requirements of the legislation becomes clearer. I believe a key to managing these changes is hearing about the experiences and ideas of other organisations that are often dealing with the same challenges, so please get in touch.
Tom
