My career in Progress | Caroline, Compliance Officer
Compliance Monitoring Officer Caroline has worked at Progress Housing Group for ten years.
We recently caught up with Caroline to learn more about her career journey at the Group.
Hi Caroline, how did your career at Progress Housing Group begin?
Ten years ago now, I returned to work after having my first child. I found the commute and working hours challenging and the cost of childcare expensive. But then I saw an advertisement for an Alarm Response Centre Operator at Progress Lifeline. The night shifts worked well alongside my partner's working hours which reduced our childcare costs, and, with the office so local to where I live, I cut out all my travel time and expenses which was a huge bonus.
Growing up in Leyland, I was always aware of Progress Housing Group and thought it would be a good company to work for.
Can you tell us about the career progression and learning and development you've received at the Group?
I worked as an Alarm Response Centre Operator for seven years - I loved the role and the vital services that Progress Lifeline provides. However, as my children grew up, I no longer needed to work shifts, and I felt it was time for a new challenge.
I applied to join the Compliance Team as a Compliance Support Assistant. Then, after almost two years in that role, a secondment opportunity within the Compliance Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Team became available, which I applied for and was successful in getting. I have since been made permanent in my current role of Compliance Monitoring Officer.
Whilst in Compliance, I have completed three VRG Level One certificates in Building and Asset Compliance and Gas and Electric Compliance to increase my compliance knowledge and help me progress professionally within this field.
What is it like working in Property Services and Compliance?
No two days are the same! We have a mix of home and office working, my role is fast-paced, and there's always a job on the go. My role involves maintaining gas servicing. It's important that tenants give us access to their properties for gas checks, so I often work closely with our Community Safety Team for support.
The teams within Property Services at the Group all work together and support each other, and the Managers and Team Leaders are always available, approachable and helpful.
What are the team's current priorities?
Our main priority is maintaining Compliance in all areas and keeping tenants safe in their homes. As a team, we look at new and improved ways of working to be more efficient and increase productivity.
What are you looking forward to getting involved in as part of your future career?
I look forward to further developing my knowledge of the housing sector and Compliance and advancing my career.
What would you recommend about working for the Group?
The best thing about working for Progress Housing Group is the people we work with. Flexible working is also great, and it improves work-life balance.
What can someone expect from coming and working for the Group?
Someone coming to work for the Group can expect a good work-life balance, with flexible working and access to offers and benefits such as Medicash, the cycle-to-work scheme, birthday leave and more.
The work of our Property Services Team can be challenging but it is definitely rewarding, and if you join us, you'll be working with a really great, supportive team.
I've found that there are also plenty of development opportunities arising all the time to help people learn, up-skill and progress.
What makes you most proud about working for Progress?
I am most proud to work with a team that keeps tenants safe in their homes.
Famously Proud to be Progress
Our teams come from a variety of backgrounds bringing a wealth of knowledge, skills and experiences to the Group, and we've got one thing in common - we are immensely proud and passionate about changing lives.
Every day, our team of almost 900 colleagues rise to the challenge of delivering high-quality homes and related services that make a real difference in our communities and the people who live in them.
As one team, we work together and empower and support each other to ensure we do everything we can to make a positive difference.
Thanks to Caroline for sharing her career journey with us.