Professionalism is a big topic in social housing and the focus is very much on qualifications. That’s correct to a certain degree – but it’s more than that isn’t it!
Don’t get me wrong, if I was going into theatre for brain surgery and the surgeon said – “I’ve never done this before, I worked in catering until last week“ I would be out of there like a shot.
Similarly, if the very experienced and qualified surgeon showed no empathy, didn’t ask me how I was feeling about the procedure, and failed to reassure me, I still wouldn’t feel at ease. However, I would have the surgery, even though the experience didn’t feel great.
So, while professionalism is partly about qualifications, for our sector, it’s also about respect, empathy and understanding.
Having worked in the sector for many years, at Big Picture Training we are heartbroken when we see the condition of some tenant’s homes. We ask ourselves “how could this be allowed to happen and, once you’ve seen it, why haven’t you put it right”?
As a sector we need to ask ourselves how we make sure that every person working in the sector knows, not just what to do, but why we do it. Some of us have always used the measure “If this was happening to someone I care about, would it be ok?” I think we all know the answer to that.
How do we create environments and organisations with that culture? How do we empower our colleagues to think that way? How do we recognise that, not everyone who works in housing does so because they want to make a difference?
Some people work for a housing provider because they love finance, or because its round the corner from where they live. How do we turn their motivation for what they do, into motivation for doing the right thing?
Finally, how do we create an environment, where colleagues feel empowered to speak out when something is wrong.
Until we can answer these questions, no professional qualification will change the sector for the better.
We try to make a difference every day at Big Picture Training, both in what we do and how we model our services. We put the focus on the people side of our sector, both customers and colleagues, and we are passionate about providing people with the skills and knowledge they need, to bring their best selves to work.