Meet Rachel Aldridge
When Genesis resident Rachel Aldridge from Basildon heard about our regional committees, she jumped at the chance to get involved. Helen Dobbs, Head of Customer Engagement, East Region, went to see her and her daughter Imogen at home in Basildon.
Helen: How did you get involved in the regional committee?
Rachel: Last year I saw an advert for a trainee programme in the residents magazine. Through that scheme I gained an NVQ in customer service and training in housing management and property maintenance which got me interested in housing and made me want to get involved more. It’s my ambition to work in housing so when I heard about
the Regional Committee I grabbed the opportunity by the horns and volunteered.
Helen: Are there any other reasons you joined?
Rachel: Yes, I want to bring something back to the community. I’ve lived in my flat for a year now. It’s a nice area with lots of children, everyone gets on and I have lovely neighbours. I’d
like to make changes that affect my area and not only my neighbours’ quality of life but all
Genesis residents. I want to work with Genesis to make it the best housing association!
Helen: What do you see as your role on the regional committee?
Rachel: With the other Regional committee members I monitor issues in relation to repairs, the contact centre and other housing issues generally that affect people like me. It means I can ask questions about the areas that really need tackling. I’ve also been elected as vice chair of the regional committee and I sit on the resident scrutiny panel.
Helen: Are there any areas you think Genesis could improve?
Rachel: I’m looking forward to seeing the improvements that are planned for the contact centre such as having one telephone number, the facility to be called back if the lines are busy and making sure I can get through to someone who’s knowledgeable and can deal with
my enquiry. I am being trained as a “mystery shopper” to help make sure the improvements that are planned actually work.
Helen: At 22 years old you’re the youngest member of our regional committees; how do you feel about that?
Rachel: I’m really proud and am looking forward to the year to come. I want to encourage more young people to join regional committees or get involved in other activities that Genesis organises. All the skills that I’ve learnt will help me in my career.
Helen: How have you found balancing working on the regional committee with looking after your daughter?
Rachel: There are lots of people like me with young children who want to work. The flexibility has given me the opportunity to give something back as well as looking good on my CV, increasing my skills and preparing me for future employment. Genesis is so welcoming – it’s been a great opportunity for me.