Category: Suffolk Housing Society

Rob Longfoot, age 22 joined Suffolk Housing Society as a housing trainee in October 2006 from a job in retail and was today promoted to Housing Officer (1 April).

Rob moved to Bury St Edmunds in May 2006, having gone to school, sixth form and art college in Norwich.

This month (April) he starts a new role as Housing Officer at Suffolk Housing Society, having completed a Chartered Institute of Housing training course and been promoted into the role in just 18 months.

Rob said: “Whilst working in retail I found my passion for customer service and thought that the trainee position at Suffolk Housing Society was ideal for me. I grew tired of the pressures of making sales and wanted to focus on providing good service in a more customer orientated role. I felt confident that a trainee position was the best place to start my career.

“The Chartered Institute of Housing course was part of my agreed employment with Suffolk Housing Society. It ran alongside my day-to-day work on a patch of properties and allowed me to put into practice the things I had learned about. I am due to receive my final results and certificate later in April.

“I enjoyed building on my knowledge of how government legislation and the Housing Corporation shape what we do. As a trainee housing officer, I deal with issues as and when they arise and it was fascinating to see the many roles in Housing which affect how myself and others at Suffolk Housing Society operate.”

He added: “I enjoy providing service to our residents, particularly letting properties to people in need. The role is extremely varied and I never get bored.

“The purpose of the Trainee role was to provide the knowledge and skills to move into a Housing Officer role. I knew straight away that I wanted to apply for the post at Suffolk Housing Society when it came up, and although I was quietly confident I was suitable for the role, I did get a little nervous that I might not get it!”

Rob said: “I was extremely pleased to get the job, it is very much the icing on the cake. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for Suffolk Housing Society and look forward to meeting the demands and challenges that my new role as a Housing Officer will bring.”

Rob and his fiancée Aimée recently became first-time parents to son Finley James Longfoot, which has made Rob even more determined to progress his career to provide well for them both. Rob and Aimée are due to get married in September this year.

“My intention is to gain more experience in the Housing Officer role and perhaps study the Chartered Institute of Housing level four certificate. I am keen to keep my options open for now, but one day I would love to be a manager - perhaps when I have more experience.”

Rob is due to get his final CIH course results towards the end of April and is expecting to pass, but whether it is a merit or distinction result he is not sure! For more information about the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Level 3 certificate in housing management and maintenance pathway, visit the CIH website at www.cih.org/services/distance_learning/

Steve Clarke, Chief Executive of Suffolk Housing Society, said: “Rob is extremely mature for his age and has shown a remarkable ability to quickly pick up and deal with some of the complex issues we come across which affect the lives of our tenants. He is a very popular member of our team and thoroughly deserves the opportunity to progress his role as a Housing Officer.”

For more information about Suffolk Housing Society visit www.suffolkhousing.org.