From accountancy to advocacy: My first six months in housing engagement

Six months into the role of engagement manager for CIH Scotland, and it’s fair to say that working in housing has been nothing like I expected.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role so far has been facilitating members' input into pieces of public affairs and influencing work, which impact the day-to-day lives of housing professionals in Scotland.  Particular highlights were getting members involved in critiquing the statutory guidance underpinning the new damp and mould regulations, and ensuring Scottish voices were heard at a UK-wide roundtable exploring the role of housing organisations in building cohesive, resilient and inclusive communities.

As an Engagement Manager you meet all sorts of people, and that is the best thing about this job.  One day I’m in Parliament with MSPs, the next day I’m talking to students about a career in housing.  Whoever I’m talking to, it all seems to come back to the idea of professionalism: what does it look like in Scotland if not a mandatory qualification, and how do we prove our professionalism as a sector to the wider public? It’s a question I’m keen to keep bringing back to the public as we shape our influencing priorities. 

Working with the CIH Futures Scotland group has also been a highlight for me.  Seeing the next generation of housing professionals develop their skills, and become the future leaders that this sector needs, feels like an extension of this public affairs and influencing work.  I have been hugely impressed by their enthusiasm and desire to improve not only themselves, but also the world around them.

None of my successes so far would have been possible without a strong sector to draw on. I came into housing without a background in the sector.  With a career history in accountancy and HR, and a qualification in counselling, I had to adapt quickly.  What struck me very early on is how collaborative this sector is: best practice is shared widely and there is the feeling that we are all working towards a shared goal – even if we take different routes to achieve it. That collaborative approach is what makes my job not only possible but extremely rewarding. 

Scotland’s Housing Festival was fantastic introduction to that spirit.  I met a wide range of people from across the sector, with everyone keen to talk.  Our Scotland Board is full of incredibly knowledgeable people and, once my imposter syndrome faded a bit, I was able to talk to them and benefit from their knowledge.

It has been really helpful to have had the support of the CIH Scotland team. Our National Director Gillian McLees started at the same time as me, but brings experience in the housing sector and a unique perspective.  Ashley Campbell and Susanne Flynn seem to know everything and everybody in the housing sector and have filled in the many gaps in my knowledge.  Plus, the wider engagement team have been very willing to share their experience.

Six months in, I’m looking forward to building on what I’ve achieved so far: helping individuals and organisations get the most out of their membership, creating the space and opportunity for the sector to shape the public affairs agenda, and making the case for professionalism in housing in Scotland.