Warrington Housing Association has appointed a new maintenance officer, Bill Wainwright, who has himself been a resident of Warrington for some 20 years.
Here he talks to us about his new role and gave us a brief insight into his past career and time outside of the office.
So, Bill, what did you do before you joined us at WHA?
“I am a time served joiner and completed my apprenticeship with St Helens Council back in 1985. I worked on the council’s housing stock, schools, and public buildings for 14 years before being promoted to supervisor, managing a small multi-skilled team.
“I was promoted to contract manager five years later in charge of responsive repairs following a stock transfer to Helena Housing. I took voluntary redundancy three years ago and went to work for Ashton Pioneer Homes as their maintenance manager in Ashton under Lyne. I always wanted to work for a smaller housing association where you get involved in absolutely everything and learned so much from this experience during my three years with them, especially around compliance.”
What is it you do in your role as a maintenance officer for WHA?
“My role is to provide a responsive repair and maintenance service that meets our customers’ needs, and delivers high-quality customer service, within budget. I will be supervising planned works in the new financial year, working with our contractors to monitor performance and health and safety compliance.
“I carry out pre-inspections and raise the works order and carry out post inspections to ensure the works that have been invoiced are correct and to a good standard, and the customer is happy. I also approve subcontractor invoices and will be inspecting our communal areas on a quarterly basis.”
And what do you enjoy the most about the role so far?
“Having had to do a two-hour daily commute for the last three years, working near to home again is a real benefit. I have found both my colleagues and contractors to be extremely helpful and they have really made me feel part of the team. It is a busy role, and no two days are the same. I enjoy the interaction with colleagues in housing and customer services in resolving the variety of issues that arise.”
What has been challenging (particularly through lockdown)?
“My experience in repairs and maintenance has enabled me to adapt quite quickly to the role despite lockdown, but I would say the most challenging is learning a completely new housing management system with Homemaster. However, there is always someone to ask, who is more than willing to help. I feel lucky to be part of a great maintenance team at WHA.”
What are you looking forward to in your role?
“I am looking forward to the new financial year when planned works can be started and hopefully lockdown restrictions are eased with more face-to-face contact with colleagues, contractors, and customers.”
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
“I love cycling and walking, just being outdoors really. I particularly like the Lake District where I would like to live one day! I also enjoy eating out with friends and family.”
If you want to learn more about Warrington Housing Association’s maintenance team please visit https://www.wha.org.uk/whia/
