Anna Marsh

Name: Anna Marsh

Current job title: Contract Coordinator – Servicing

Internship/Placement role: Data Assistant

Degree: BA History – University of York

Where are you based: Liverpool

Background:

I’m from Liverpool and moved to university in York. When I came back, I started job hunting and came across a job at Regenda Homes working with the asset management team in data analysis. I had originally wanted to be a teacher but after a few placements during my time at university, I quickly realised that this wasn’t for me! I still wanted to work in a job where I could help people so a career in social housing was a great option. Having family members who already worked in the sector gave me an insight into the kind of work that housing associations did and I knew it was a sector with values aligned to my own. Whilst in my role as Data Assistant, the opportunity to join the GEM Programme through the Talent In House route came about and it was the perfect opportunity for me to continue learning and developing whilst also staying in my job.

The GEM Programme 

The GEM Programme helped me to grow my confidence massively. Gaining knowledge of the housing sector opened my eyes to so many more opportunities in the business and allowed me to understand the challenges facing the sector. I found the personal development GEM Shack the most useful – this enabled me to understand my own skills and how I can utilise them going forward. During my time on the GEM programme, I applied for a new role as Compliance Contract Coordinator. Skills gained on the programme, such as understanding neighbourhood management were invaluable to me in securing my new role.

What do you enjoy about your current role? 

I enjoy the fast paced, target driven nature of my role and the variety of each day. A main part of my role is ensuring the business remains 100% compliant for gas servicing, so I must try to ensure access by any means with our residents. I enjoy working on more complex cases and working in partnership with other departments to continue to achieve 100% compliance.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to apply?  

I would encourage anybody thinking about applying for the GEM programme to go for it, whether it be through the normal route or the Talent in House route! The opportunities and skills that you learn are truly invaluable. Take every opportunity with both hands and enjoy it!