We are continuing our series in which we sneak a peek into several job roles in the organisation. Today, we’ll have a look at a typical day in the life of building safety manager Amir. This is a newly created role within the organisation as we increase our focus on building safety measures in our homes.
Why and when did you join Notting Hill Genesis?
I joined Notting Hill Housing in 2010 as a housing officer. I grew up in social housing and wanted to contribute towards building better communities. I felt that housing was the sector in which I would like to build my career as I enjoy working with people and being supportive to resolve hardships and issues.
What is your role?
I am currently a building safety manager. I manage high-rise buildings and support the organisations implementation of the Building Safety Bill which the central government introduced earlier in the year.
What can a typical day look like?
My typical day has been quite different for the past year or so as I was piloting the first building safety manager role. I helped develop the role for Notting Hill Genesis including contributing towards developing our first Building Safety Case draft, carrying out several building safety inspections and creating checklists and audit reports in preparation for recruitment of future Building Safety Managers.
Now, a typical day involved inspecting our high-rise buildings to ensure their safety, reviewing compliance documents and resident engagement to ensure an open dialogue between myself and residents so they can raise any issue with me.
Post Grenfell how have conditions changed your job with regard to building safety?
Post Grenfell, the housing industry has changed in a positive manner. The introduction of the Building Safety Bill 2022 has provided a layer of safeguarding for our residents in the form of accountability. The Bill holds the principal accountable people to account and ensures that all high-rise blocks are inspected from external cladding to internal elements such as fireproofing works and structural inspection. This is followed up by remedial works were required to ensure that our buildings are compliant.
What do you find the most rewarding?
The most rewarding factor of working in housing is the contribution I make which has a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities. Listening to their concerns and supporting them to find solutions to problems. From my experience, you can see the difference a person can make in the lives of many. That is by far the most rewarding aspect for me.
What are the frustrations?
Sometimes, progress can be slow which is quite frustrating. For instance, requests for information can sometimes take time to receive.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I spend most of my time with my wife & two young daughters, guiding them, upskilling and supporting them in their passion. I am also a fish keeper, looking after a semi-self-sustained ecosystem aquarium. I am a hands-on person that generally thrives on finding faults and solutions. From tinkering with my motorcycle (when finance permits) to technology and problem-solving.
What is one thing you would like residents to know about building safety managers?
The role is fairly new, but we are working toward creating a robust role that protects our residents and the places they live.
What is the funniest thing a customer has said to you?
‘I am not shouting at you, I am shouting at the organisation you represent.’ (We actually had a great relationship when we stopped talking about work).
