MICHAEL ROWAN

Case Study Info

Name: Michael Rowan

Current job title: Safer Neighbourhoods Team Leader

Internship/Placement role: Neighbourhood Officer

Degree: Sociology

Where are you based: Liverpool

Background: 

Originally from Manchester, I graduated and applied for a Neighbourhood Officer role based in South Manchester. I wanted to work in Housing and specifically within a Neighbourhood/Housing Management role as I have a desire to work in a varied role, doing something different every day, but also a role that enables me to directly help and make a difference to customer’s lives.

The GEM Programme

The GEM Programme has helped me develop both my housing management and professional skills. In particular the CIH Level 4 qualification has broadened my knowledge of Housing Management in general, giving me a plethora of invaluable knowledge on how Housing Organisations operate, including, funding of housing associations and their services, housing management and partnership working, development of policies and procedures, housing law and regulation and managing people. These skills all directly helped me function within my role as Neighbourhood Officer delivering a range of housing management functions and managing a team of Scheme Managers.

The personal leadership development GEM shack has also given me the ability to grow within my organisation. The module has given me the ability to understand my leadership style and the importance and benefits of development within our roles. Attending the personal leadership development GEM shack encouraged me to apply for my current role of Safer Neighbourhoods Team Leader which involves managing a team of Safer Neighbourhood Specialists. The personal development GEM shack has given me a great foundation for being a leader within my organisation.

What do you enjoy about your current role? 

As Safer Neighbourhoods Team Leader, I often work with internal and external partners to develop strategies and overcome problems within the neighbourhoods we operate. These problems can include general anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, drugs and hate crime. I enjoy working alongside our neighbourhood plans to deliver safer neighbourhood initiatives and campaigns to customers in support of safer neighbourhoods. I also enjoy motivating my team to deliver an effective safer neighbourhood service to customers throughout the organisation.

I would sell my role as a position for someone who embraces the position of leader, values customer focus, has a desire to keep our neighbourhoods safe and understands the crucial role of being a stakeholder within the neighbourhoods we operate.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to apply?

Go for it! Be open and be honest. Remember why you want to work in such a diverse and satisfying sector and think about what skills you can bring. If you embrace every part of the recruitment process with your values and behaviours in mind you can’t go wrong!