Russet residents get on the first rung of the housing qualification ladder

Published by Barbara H for Russet Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment, Health, Local Government

Karen Stannard and Danny Monk became the first Russet residents to pass the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Level 2 certificate putting them firmly on the first rung of the housing qualification ladder.

Karen and Danny knew little about housing before they signed up on the 14 week course Russet offered for free to residents.  But both jumped at the opportunity to take the recognised vocational qualification that can help people find employment or support those who want to become involved in housing and communities.

Karen, a wheelchair user, explained: “I am really keen to start up my own consultancy advising organisations on how to adapt facilities to make them more accessible and suitable for people with disabilities.  I felt by taking a housing qualification it would put me in a better position, especially when working with surveyors, architects and occupational therapists.”

Karen also spent a couple of days shadowing various Russet officers including Rachel Castle, Russet’s community compliance officer.  She witnessed first hand how Rachel works hard to help resolve issues between neighbours and tackle complaints of anti social behaviour.

Danny who has been medically retired for some years, said: “I was really chuffed to pass.  I particularly enjoyed spending a day with a Russet voids officer inspecting empty properties to establish what work was required to prepare them ready to re-let.  I am now going to try and find work experience to take me a step further”

Steve Woodcock, Russet’s MD, commented: “We put our residents at the heart of everything we do.  This not only means we provide quality homes and help build communities where people want to live, but also do our best to create opportunities to enhance life chances.  We offer various training courses for free throughout the year that can be the springboard to finding a job, leading a healthier lifestyle or living more safely at home.”

Part of Circle Anglia – one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable housing - Russet owns and manages almost 7,000 properties making it the largest provider of rented social housing within Tonbridge and Malling.