We meet lead business systems and technology trainer Allyson Newton, who’s been with us for an incredible 34 years! She shares her memories of working at Yorkshire Housing and some secrets to success.
Why did you decide to join Yorkshire Housing?
I worked for a local company and decided I needed a change as it was going nowhere. I was interviewed by the area manager who was a youth worker like me. Yorkshire Housing seemed such a friendly and warm organisation to work for and I started as the office secretary/manager in August 1988 in Wakefield.
Tell us about your career path? What different roles have you had?
I started as the office secretary/manager and then came back as a part time housing admin officer after maternity leave. I got involved in meeting customers, doing sign ups and home visits.
I had a good manager who encouraged you to go above and beyond your role. Everyone rolled up their sleeves and helped when things had to be done such as stamping the payment books each year, and writing all the repairs and invoices in a massive ledger. Things have changed a lot since then!
We restructured and I moved to Leeds to do a job share as an office manager. I also went back to uni and studied for my housing degree to become a housing officer. It gave me a really good insight into housing and helped me understand the role better
I loved my time as a housing officer, but I also got involved with delivering training on our housing management system for new starters. I really enjoyed supporting colleagues so when a training role became permanent, I applied for it and was successful. I’ve worked in training since then, most recently on a big transformation project.
Any memories you’d like to share from your time here?
I’ve got really found memories of working at St Marys Close (one of our sheltered housing schemes) with Vicky Whetstone, the Scheme Manager, and building relationships with the residents there. We were also part of the Community Centre committee, so we helped organise lots of events, and meeting customers was always a highlight!
As a housing officer it was great handing over new build properties, including over 100 in Swarcliffe. I loved giving the keys to customers, who had sometimes been in difficult situations. I’d make sure they had the support they needed, and it was fantastic seeing how they turned their house into a home.
I’ve also had a lots of fun – there’s not many jobs you get to dress up as Sharon and Ozzy to deliver training to the customer experience centre. In the 90s we were even treated to a ride on the orient express as a thank you for our hard work.
How have things changed since you started?
The business has grown and merged over the years into the huge company it now is. When I started there were local hubs with just a few colleagues working in them. At my first Christmas party we shared a room with other companies, we definitely couldn’t do that now!
What is it about Yorkshire Housing that’s kept you here for 34 years?
I’ve never had a reason to leave – I’ve always enjoyed what I do, especially meeting colleagues and customers. I’ve worked with good people and have had supportive managers who’ve trusted me in what I do.
Could you tell us about more about your current role? What do you do and what gives you most satisfaction?
I’m lead business systems and technology trainer. I train new and existing colleagues, and make sure they’re are aware of any system changes. My favourite part of the role is meeting colleagues when I’m delivering training and I enjoy being part of such a good team. I also like being part of projects implementing new processes and changes. I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing people along the way.
What advice would you give someone new starting out in housing?
Think about getting the knowledge as well as the experience as what you’re doing will make more sense. Learn from others and shadow as many people as you can in your organisation to fully understand how it all fits together. Go visit customers and remember they are at the forefront of everything we do!
And finally if you could bring back anything from 1988 what would it be?
The music – I love the 80s music and going to events to reminisce about these times! The bright clothing was also great! I can remember having bright coloured shoes, earrings, necklaces and belts all to match, as well as some amazing jumpsuits which I loved.