Get to know your Neighbourhood Team: Victor Longe | Tenant news

Victor Longe or ‘Vic’ for short is our Neighbourhood Co-ordinator for our North London schemes including Hackney, Finsbury Park, Islington and Enfield. We caught up with him to talk about all things from his favourite take away to what he’d do if he was CEO of Habinteg. 

How would you explain your job in 30 words?
My job is extremely varied, but in general I help to manage tenants’ welfare and safeguarding concerns. I also help tackle anti-social behaviour, engage with community groups and tenants to get them working together better. 

What’s the best thing about your job?
I love that I get to speak with tenants about what changes they’d like to see happen on their scheme and then help deliver these changes. I also love helping to resolve tenants’ problems, and most importantly putting smiles on their faces.

How many tenants do you talk to in a day?
I’d say this varies from day-to-day, but I speak to anything from 7 to 15 tenants every day.

Which of these animal companions would you live with: lion, monkey or snake?
A lion, because once you tame them, you don’t need much protection again.

What’s the nicest thing that’s happened to you on your scheme?
I helped a tenant resolve a repair issue she was having. She was so pleased that I was able to help her that she wrote a very complimentary note to my manager, which even included praise for my work attire and shoes.

If you had to be CEO of Habinteg or your scheme for one week, name two things you’d do?
I’d employ some admin staff to join our neighbourhood teams. We’ve so much admin that we do on a daily basis, it takes up a lot of our time and takes time away from being able to help tenants more. I'd also train our current Neighbourhood Co-ordinators into Post Inspection Officers to help support surveyors.

What’s your favourite Friday night takeaway - fish & chips, Chinese or an Indian?
Chinese all the way, with a pint or two.

You’ve got a bonus week of annual leave for being a great Neighbourhood Co-ordinator – how do you spend it?
Being a Neighbourhood Co-ordinator can sometimes eat into your sleeping habits. I would spend the first three days catching up on sleep and then the remaining four days with my daughter in Manchester, she makes world’s best lasagna.

What’s your favourite staycation destination for a summer holiday?
Great Yarmouth or Felixstowe.

Which of these programmes would you appear in Eastenders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks?
None of these, put me on Match of the Day for a good commentary, or BBC Question Time.

Who would you most like to be your neighbour and why – Andy Peters, Lorraine Kelly or Holly Willoughby?
Lorraine Kelly, I like her broad knowledge of current affairs, and she has a nice Scottish accent.