Housing manager
Chloe
- Name:
Chloe Porter
- Gender:
Female
- Location:
Camden, England
- Occupation:
Development assistant, Metropolitan Housing Trust
- Hobbies:
Going to the theatre, museums, galleries and gigs; salsa and current affairs
- School/College:
What are you doing today?
I’m currently on a six week placement with Barratt Homes in West London. It’s a learning placement to see how a private developer works differently to housing associations. It’s to help me understand what drives the two types of developers, what the fundamental differences are, and to help us create a better working relationship. Today I’m looking at a site that hasn’t got planning yet, I’m doing some research into the area, finding out local house prices and looking at planning constraints in the borough.
Is it very different to the public sector?
It’s very different. There’s a lot of pressure and it’s quite cutthroat because ultimately private housebuilders have to deliver profit to their shareholders. My workmates are all joking that I’ve gone over to the dark side! It’s not as bad as all that – there’s a lot that both sectors can learn from eachother to create a better working relationship needed to create sustainable communities.
I started my career working for a housing consultancy in Liverpool, working with residents to find out how they’d like the places they live in to change. In my current job, our focus is to provide affordable housing that fits in with the natural environment, with amenityspace and a sense of community – places that people are proud to belong to and where they want to live. I’m very happy i chose to work in the public sector. It’s a very satisfying job, to create communities based on outstanding design and giving ownership to residents.
So how environmentally friendly is your home?
I’m living in a converted Victorian house so structurally it’s not very good! But I recycle or compost everything i can, and try to save water. The homes we build are much more energy efficient.
Recently answered questions
Helpful links
- Chartered Institute of HousingQualifications and training in housing management
- National Housing FederationRepresents housing associations and has information about housing policy and good practice
- Tenant Services AuthorityGovernment agency which regulates registered social landlords
- AssetskillsThe Sector Skills Council for the places in which we live and work - advises on qualifications and skills
