Alison Dean, Chief Executive at Great Places, has embarked on her second round of regional visits, with the South region visit taking place on Tuesday, 19th November.
Last week, Alison was actively engaging with colleagues across the South region, demonstrating her dedication to understanding the challenges faced by her team and the customers they serve.
Great Places CEO has shown a keen interest in job shadowing colleagues whenever possible. This hands-on approach allows her to gain a deeper insight into the daily operations and the unique challenges faced by staff and customers across various schemes and neighbourhoods.
First Stop: Foxlair Court, Wythenshawe
Alison’s first visit was to Foxlair Court in Wythenshawe, an Independence and Wellbeing scheme. Here, she met with Jane Sandbach, Independent Living Manager. Their discussions covered a range of topics, including internet improvements, winter fuel provisions, and customer problems management, sharing insightful stories on the day to day of the scheme. This visit highlighted the importance of connectivity and support for residents, especially during the colder months.
Second Stop: Properties in Knutsford
Next, Alison visited properties in Knutsford, where she conducted two void inspections with Liam Mann, Property Services Manager. They discussed the ongoing refurbishment works, potential improvements to garden areas, and the collaborative efforts of Neighbourhood Service Managers. During the second property visit, Alison joined Kate Beard, Neighbourhood Service Manager, to meet with customers viewing the property. Conversations focused on the delivery of properties to new tenants and the experiences of previous tenants.
Final Visit: The Welcome, Knutsford’s Community Café and Support Centre
Alison’s final stop was at The Welcome, Knutsford’s community café and support centre, accompanied by Kate Beard and Colette Blease, Area Services Manager. The discussions here revolved around improving communication between different teams to avoid crossovers, enhancing coordination, and addressing tenancy issues more efficiently. This visit underscored the importance of community support and effective communication in delivering high-quality services.
About this day out Alison Dean said:
“These visits are invaluable in helping me understand the real-world challenges our colleagues and customers face. By job shadowing and engaging directly with our teams and residents, I can better support our mission to provide excellent services and improve the quality of life for everyone in our communities.”
Alison Dean’s commitment to these regional visits and her proactive approach to understanding and addressing challenges reflect Great Places’ dedication to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
