Meet our Neighbourhood Coordinator Rachel Furness | Tenant news

Find out what Hemlington and Whinney Banks Neighbourhood Coordinator Rachel Furness (below right) would do if she was Habinteg’s CEO for one week, and why she’d like to live next door to late poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.

 How would you describe your job?

I work in an on-scheme housing office alongside several other colleagues. My job is very varied and can differ daily. One day I can be completing home visits with tenants or carrying out viewings on a property, the next day attending a multi-agency meeting, attending court, or chasing up outstanding repairs – to name but a few things.

I work with tenants, surveyors, colleagues, contractors and care and housing professionals every day. My aim is to ensure my tenants are happy in their homes. Flexibility is key to the role, as you never know what the next day will bring.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Seeing and helping our tenants in a variety of ways. They include being on scheme; doing scheme walkabouts and speaking to tenants while out and about; identifying any issues with the aim of resolving them as soon as possible; building good relationships with tenants and internal and external colleagues. 

I also really enjoy engaging with tenants through activities set up in our community centre. From holding afternoon teas to arranging fitness classes – its lovely to try bring the community together. 

What are the challenges of your job?

Being in a front-facing role, we’re often the first to face and manage a tenant’s frustration over, for example, delayed repairs. We do the necessary investigation to establish what has happened and come up with a solution for the tenant. I always try to maintain regular contact with the tenant and ensure their journey through the repair cycle has been a reasonable one with an outcome they’re happy with.  

Which scheme in your region would you like to live on and why?

Our Yarm scheme as its surrounded by trees and greenery and is walking distance to a fantastic high street full of shops.

You’ve got a bonus holiday for being incredibly outstanding at your job, how do you spend it?

I’d have a spa day with relaxing treatments and some nice food - perfect!

What’s your favourite Friday night takeaway dish?

It depends how I am feeling but it would either be a Chinese, Indian or a Parma (a breaded cutlet of chicken or pork topped with a white béchamel sauce and cheese).

How do you think your Habinteg colleagues describe you?

Friendly, helpful, positive – I think it’s so important to maintain an optimistic outlook on life.

If you could choose, who would you love to live next door to, and why?

The late poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, because I love her books, poems and amazing quotes. I’d love to spend time chatting to her about her life experiences.

We had a World Mental Health Day this month, what self-care steps would you encourage others to consider to look after their mental wellbeing?

I practice yoga and meditation and take regular long walks by the sea or in the countryside. I think these are all good practices for maintaining a healthy life, both physically and mentally.

With Bonfire Night coming up, what advice do you have for Habinteg tenants?

Keep pets indoors, ensure there are no flammable items near your home, and make sure children are always supervised. If you’re setting your own fireworks off, make sure you follow the safety rules and have a bucket of water close by just in case… enjoy a safe Bonfire Night everyone!