Pictured above, from left: Tom, Michelle and Jamie from Curo's Resident Engagement Team
As our Resident Engagement Team, Tom, Michelle and Jamie are always out and about, meeting customers and getting their feedback. They tell us a bit more about their roles.
Tom Box, Resident Engagement Manager
Tell us a bit about what you do at Curo…
I lead a small team championing the voices of Curo customers. We have a Resident Engagement Framework which offers 25 different ways for customers to give us feedback – I help to run the associated groups.
How long have you worked here?
Since 2002 – so more than 20 years! I started out as what was then Somer Housing’s first apprentice. They funded me to do a degree in Housing Management and Tenant Participation, which was a brilliant opportunity to get training and skills in the sector.
Why Curo?
The beauty of working in social housing is that every day is different. I might be helping to set up a community gardening project or arranging an event for 400 customers. Even after so much time, it never gets boring.
What’s the best thing about your job?
There’s nothing nicer than seeing customers help to shape a service. The groups I run mean directors listen to customers’ suggestions on how we can improve. For example, customers told us they wanted more contact when they have an open anti-social behaviour case. Now every customer with an open case gets a call every 10 days – the Tenancy Compliance team now make an additional 8,000 customer calls per year.
What’s your favourite hobby or pastime?
I’m football obsessed and coach three Bath City youth teams. But even though I’m from Bath, I support Newcastle United – there’s a random reason behind it. When I was seven years old, my dad, who’s a Bristol City fan, took me to see them play Newcastle in the FA Cup. I said if he didn’t buy me fish and chips at half time I’d become a Newcastle fan. He didn’t, Newcastle scored five goals and the rest is history!
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
I’d be your friendly local neighbourhood Spiderman. Scaling buildings and solving crimes really appeal to me.
Michelle Sage, Resident Engagement Co-ordinator
Tell us a bit about what you do at Curo…
I’ve worked in the Resident Engagement team for the past three years, meeting customers, running groups and getting feedback from our residents.
How long have you worked here?
I’ve been at Curo since 2017. I started out in the Contact Team, answering customer calls. I then became a Gas Scheduler in the Response Team before moving to my current role.
Why Curo?
I initially applied when a friend told me what a great place Curo is to work. There’s a real family culture here.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I get to engage with customers through various groups and forums. I’m lucky enough to have built some great relationships with the residents I’ve got to know.
What’s your favourite hobby or pastime?
I love reading and crochet – you’ll usually find me with a hook in my hand!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Well, as a woman, I can already multi-task! But seriously, I’d actually love to be able to fly.
Jamie Nicholson-Ruther, Resident Engagement Co-ordinator
Tell us a bit about what you do at Curo…
I work with our residents and give their feedback to Curo on a range of topics. I make sure their voices are heard on any changes we want to make. By building great relationships with our customers, we hope to improve our services and our ability to help residents.
How long have you worked here?
I started out in the Contact Team, then moved to Work Wise, Curo’s employment service, before transferring to the Resident Engagement team.
Why Curo?
After eight years running a small shop in the centre of town, I decided I needed a change. A friend mentioned Curo were hiring. I saw it as a great opportunity to start a new career that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I love how supportive my team is. I’m trusted to manage my own time and run workshops my own way.
What’s your favourite hobby or pastime?
I adore playing board games with friends. You can’t beat a bit of friendly competition – it encourages people to meet up and just have a good laugh.
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Teleportation. Just imagine: you’d never have to pay for a flight again!