Introducing your new officer for professional development
01/10/09
Martin Pearce works as a Senior Housing Officer for Southampton City Council. For the past four years, he has been studying for his Diploma of Higher Education in Housing at Southampton Solent University. Here he explains why he decided to take on the role of Membership and Professional Development Officer with CIH South East.
'After completing my diploma this year and having worked in affordable housing for ten years, I wanted to get more involved in CIH, particularly how it represents its members' interests within the profession.
'I chose to stand as Membership and Professional Development Officer as I think continuing professional development is something we all need to consider. And it's an area where I believe CIH can do more to progress it members' skills and careers.'
How does this link with your job?
'I currently work within Southampton City Council's estate regeneration team. It involves working on communications and consultation with the local community to redevelop our housing stock. It's a work area that has presented challenges - learning new skills and knowledge - while enabling me to develop my career,'
How did you benefit by studying at Southampton Solent University?
Studying for my diploma gave me an insight into areas of housing where I had little or no work input, such as housing finance and development. I've also developed networks with students in other organisations. I have now decided to continue studying towards a social housing degree.'
How did your learning benefit your customers?
'I now have a greater depth of housing knowledge which I can directly apply to housing issues. I've developed better problem-solving skills and can research solutions by using best practice examples.'
What do you want to be doing in five years' time?
'I'd like to have furthered my career, working in a more senior role. I also hope that I will still be involved with CIH South East and that, as a profession, we will have made advances in professional development.'