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Colne trains for the future
20th November 2007
Colne Housing, one of the largest affordable housing providers in North Essex, is strengthening its support to families with housing needs with the appointment of a new trainee housing officer.
Trainee housing officer Laura Twitchett has taken over the management of some 150 houses owned by Colne Housing whilst she is working towards a Diploma in Housing.
As a trainee, Laura focuses on all aspects of housing management, including supporting tenants and acting as a “signpost” for those who may need additional help and contact from other specialists agencies.
Says Colchester-born Laura, aged 22, “There is more to this job than being given a number of houses to look after. It’s about making sure the tenants are managing, that they have the basic needs of a home, and noticing if they don’t.
“It’s easy just to think someone’s issues are solved when they move into an affordable home; but the important thing is to realise they may have further and more complex needs. As a trainee housing officer I know there is more to the job than just providing a house; it’s about making sure the tenants have the full range of support they may need.
“This job is not so much finding out about property as finding out about people. And if I cannot always help them, then knowing who can. “
Laura is the latest in a number of housing trainees supported by Colchester-based Colne Housing, which now owns or manages over 2,000 affordable homes throughout North Essex.
Colne Housing is committed to on-going staff training, both for the Society’s own future needs and the needs of the burgeoning affordable housing sector.
Chief Executive Mark Powell Davies said: “Our growing strength in training is especially important if we are to deal with the rapid pace and complexities of issues around affordable housing in the next few years.
“We know this is an expanding area and we want to remain at the forefront of training as the issue rises up the political agenda. “
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