This week we are shining a spotlight on colleagues across our organisation, to raise the profile of careers in housing in support of National Careers Week.
Ready to meet our team? Scroll down to explore their roles.
Dave Brown, Operations Director
Dave has worked for Pine Court Housing Association almost 16 years and has had three roles during this time. He describes his role as our Operations Director as engaging, rewarding and inclusive.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Supporting and developing my team and working with the variety of customers and partners in the community.
Do you have any career highlights?
I am proud to have been working for the organisation when it became the first BAME registered provider to gain a Tenants Participation Advisory Service accreditation.
Did you need any qualifications to get your job?
I’d recommend a professional housing qualification as this will help, but good old fashioned common sense is needed and a keen sense of humour!
Which piece of advice would you give to someone starting their career?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, advice, or assistance – things are never as bad as you may think they are.
Tracy Lin, Housing Assistant
Tracy has worked for Pine Court Housing Association for nearly four years after joining the organisation as an apprentice in 2019. She describes her role as Housing Assistant as engaging, supportive and rewarding.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Bringing a smile to someone’s face. I believe what I do makes a small change to people’s daily life, such as offering our customers a new home or resolving their repair issues.
Do you have any career highlights?
Receiving a distinction grade in my level 2 Housing and Property Management apprenticeship and being shortlisted as apprentice by my education provider.
I was rewarded and recognised by Pine Court Housing Association and The Sovini Group when I won:
- Best Newcomer Award in 2019
- Apprentice of the Year in 2021
- Pine Court’s Employee of the Year in 2021
- Self-Starter Award at the Be Part of It Awards in 2021
Did you need any qualifications to get your job?
I needed a GCSE in English and Maths to start my apprenticeship, however I did complete BA and MAs degrees in Tourism and Marketing Management before I started my apprenticeship.
Which piece of advice would you give to someone starting their career?
It’s never too late to change, to try something new. I started my apprenticeship in my late 20s, which was a good opportunity to learn something new and start a new career.
Shaun Williams, Senior Housing Officer
Shaun has worked for Pine Court Housing Association for five years, however, has been with The Sovini Group for 12 years. He describes his role as Senior Housing Officer as diverse, challenging and rewarding.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Meeting people from different communities and backgrounds and helping change their lives for the better.
Do you have any career highlights?
I’m really proud of the difference I’ve helped to make Pine Court Housing Association such a fantastic organisation and place to work. I always feel your best opportunities always lie ahead of you as you progress in your life and career.
Which piece of advice would you give to someone starting their career?
Be prepared to challenge yourself and be willing to take on more responsibility to prove you deserve to progress in whatever you do.
Jacque Atkin, Housing Assistant
Jacque has worked for Pine Court Housing Association for ten years and describes her role as a Housing Assistant as happy and fun.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Helping people, whatever we do, we are helping people and increasing their quality of life.
Did you need any qualifications to get your job?
No, but I needed the language skills. I speak mandarin, Cantonese, and English.
Which piece of advice would you give to someone starting their career?
A can-do attitude will help you anywhere you go. You will learn fast and get on with customer and colleagues better.
Do you have any career highlights?
- Winning Pine Court’s Employee of the Year in 2016
- Completing my NVQ level two qualification, I have learned a lot on this course such as policies and customer service