For our next edition of our Homegrown Heroes series, we spoke to Chris, a Contract Works Supervisor (SHDF) at Plymouth Community Homes (PCH).
Chris joined PCH 11 years ago as a permanent Admin Assistant in the Project Support team. After excelling in that role, he looked to gain different knowledge within the business, joining the Tenancy Management team as a Housing Assistant, providing admin support to the housing teams in Estover and Whitleigh.
After a short while, the opportunity arose to deliver the PV solar panel project which was delivered to over 2,000 homes over an 18-month period, helping to reduce home energy bills. He then joined the Rents and Incomes team as an Assistant Housing Officer for a year on secondment to help and support tenants to financially sustain their tenancy. Once the role ended, he returned to the Project Support team while completing his Business Management and Leadership degree with the Open University, which finished just before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last August, Chris applied for a Trainee Contract Work Supervisor role in the Asset Management team, and was successful upon interview. During this time, he was able to develop his knowledge, delivering exciting projects, including a single house modernisation in Keyham, and the installation of a sprinkler system at Morley Court, delivering the project on time and on budget.
After staying in this role for 11 months, he recently became a Contract Works Supervisor (SHDF – Social Housing Decarbonation Fund) a role which is similar to the PV solar panel project position.
Chris said: “The knowledge I have gained from my different roles across the business over the last 11 years has been invaluable, helping me to overcome whatever challenges come my way. Establishing professional relationships in different departments has enabled me to apply a one PCH team approach.
“Working across PCH has helped me understand and appreciate how the work everyone does contributes to making real differences for our tenants, through delivering great services.
“My new role is all about supporting exactly what PCH do, helping to provide homes and communities where people want to live.
“I love working at PCH, I have always wanted to help people, and during the early stages of my career I didn’t know how to channel that.
“As I live locally, I care about the community and those living in our city. I believe in our values and mission, and I know that as a business that’s what I and my colleagues are trying to achieve.”
Martin Cook, Contract Works Manager, and his current manager is delighted that Chris was successful for the new position.
Martin said: “Chris came to the Capital Works teams from Project Support as a trainee Contract Works Supervisor 11 months ago and rapidly exceeded all expectations. He has soaked up knowledge and training like a sponge which has led him to being a successful applicant for his new role at a very fast rate.
“Chris brought with him over 10 years of well-rounded experience across various departments within PCH, with a drive and focus which has cemented his place in the Asset Management Delivery team. His supervision of projects rapidly required less and less mentoring and there have been numerous accounts of praise and compliments from contractors, consultants and residents highlighting Chris’s work ethic, attention to detail, forward thinking and problem solving.
“Whilst Chris is going to be greatly missed in the Capital Works team, the Decarbonisation team have gained a fantastic member of staff.”
