Housing chief puts DIY skills to the test

Published by Gareth Holmes for Sanctuary Housing Association in Housing and also in Communities

A housing chief swapped his desk for DIY this week as he joined Sanctuary Group’s Internal Maintenance Service (IMS) team in West Bromwich on their rounds for a day.

Ian McDermott, Sanctuary’s Chief Operating Officer, put his maintenance skills to the test through a series of tasks with IMS operative Mark Baddrick as part of an exercise to mark National Customer Service Week.

National Customer Service Week is organised by theInstituteofCustomer Serviceand aims to promote good customer service and the vital role it plays within organisations.

Ian visited residents’ homes where he carried out tasks including repairing the cause of a leak to an overflow pipe and fixing a loose door frame.

As well as carrying out various jobs, Ian was able to meet residents and speak with them directly about the services they receive from Sanctuary.

Speaking about his experience, Ian said: “Meeting the needs of our customers is the most important part of what we do so it was great to meet residents and help with repair jobs in their homes. The feedback I received was very positive and demonstrates the commitment of Sanctuary’s staff to maintain consistently high standards and provide good customer service.”