Working in Property and Assets at Anchor

Sara Turner

Head of Property, North

Little did I know when I joined Anchor, as interim Regional Programme Delivery Manager on a six-month contract, that I would still be would still be working here 5 years later. Initially having worked on an interim basis for the previous 10 years at other social housing providers, I thought I would be here short term then move on. After a few short months I realised, Anchor was different, Anchor employees and senior management team absolutely live and breathe the ARCH values. I really enjoyed working here and when the opportunity for a permanent role became available, I went for it. Since then, not only have Anchor developed me, allowing me to progress to a more senior role as Head of Property - North, I have been supported through external coaching and a change to my working patterns to support a better work/life balance.

Willis Robertson

Contracts Manager

I find working in the Property and Assets team at Anchor really rewarding and enjoy being able to support our customer facing operational colleagues and residents by; - Reacting to residents and colleagues needs in emergency and non-emergency situations - Continuing to provide high customer service levels and investments in the difficult financial climate and times of uncertainty (COVID) - Maintaining compliance and ensuring our properties are safe and well maintained - Understanding that the work we do impacts on customers and colleague’s experiences - Educational and enlightening. The thing I like most about working for Anchor is providing a tailored service to our residents that meets their individual needs and enables them to live independently. I enjoy providing great customer service, and collaborating and communicating with people right across the organisation to ensure this is possible. There are great career development opportunities at Anchor, the organisation has supported my career development and aspirations to progress through ongoing continuous professional development, a range of internal and external training courses, providing day release for me to attend university and secondment and shadowing opportunities.

Oliver Richards

Asset Business Intelligence Manager

I have worked for Anchor for just over 4 years, starting as an Analyst and moving to Lead Analyst and then Asset Business Intelligence Manager. I have been fully supported throughout my career here and have been given lots of opportunities to progress my career and improve my skills. Some of these include joining a mentoring programme (where I have regular 1-2-1’s with a Director), an apprenticeship scheme and a range of bespoke training courses. There are ample opportunities to progress at Anchor and in fact, it is pro-actively encouraged (if it’s what you want). The Property and Assets department is a close-knit team and there’s always someone available to help if you have questions. If you’re new to the industry, you’re not made to feel as though you should already know everything, or that you’re silly for asking questions. Any ideas are actively encouraged and taken seriously, no matter your role. We’re treated with respect and trusted to do a good job, and the flexible working hours are a lifesaver as I’m able to do the school run a couple of times a week. If a trip to the Bradford office and an overnight stay is needed there’s always someone around to go for a curry with in the evening! For me though, the best bit about working for Anchor is that I’m working for a company that has a sense of social responsibility. As a not-for-profit, our sole purpose is to provide safe, happy homes for our residents. By working at Anchor, I feel like I’m playing a small but important part in that.

Michele Townley

Business Improvement Officer

I initially joined Anchor as a Personal Assistant in July 2016. I become part of the Property and Assets Business Performance team in December 2021, its’ great being part of a team that is focussed on business improvements and making a difference. Having previously supported on projects, I was keen to develop further in this area. I have some great colleagues in Anchor, always supportive and really helpful. I have received fantastic support and encouragement from my manager, together with coaching and mentoring, all of which have enabled me to progress further into the business improvement and project management field. Anchor are great at supporting personal development and there are lots of learning opportunities to help you achieve your goals. I recently gained the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt accreditation which I was absolutely delighted with, it’s been really beneficial for my ongoing development as I can apply some of the new skills and techniques I have learnt to my role. Thank you Anchor.