A Spotlight on: Ross Williams

Over the summer, TPAS Cymru has relaunched our 'Spotlight On' series in a brand-new format where we’ve been celebrating housing colleagues from across the sector. Join us as we highlight those individuals who have been driving best practices and creating thriving communities across Wales.

Our next post in the series focuses on Ross Williams, Tenant Engagement Lead at Merthyr Valley Homes. 

 

1. What is my favourite thing about my job?

People!

Those who don’t work in Housing may hear the word ‘tenant’ and have an image which is, often inaccurately, informed by the media which does a great deal of disservice.My role, and my duty, is to show the abundance of good that tenants offer their community in a far more constructive light, showcasing the continual brilliance and selflessness of so many individuals who go out of their way make other people’s lives better.

2. What is 1 thing you would change about housing in Wales?

It’s so difficult to narrow down to one thing. I think we can sometimes become a little detached from the things that really matter. It isn’t important for organisations to be delivering their vanity projects. It’s about making a difference – however little – in someone’s life.

We understand these things better when we are connected to our communities and willing to have honest conversations which help shape the work we do.There is a caveat to this. Many organisations across Wales already shine in this arena, and have done for years, but I still sometimes get frustrated when I see initiatives which leave me thinking “Where is the tenant voice in all this?”

3.How has housing changed since I started doing my role?

Change is the one certainty, and I think the sector has a proven track record of being able to adapt and still deliver high quality housing. I joined in 2011, and my entire time has been dominated by a Conservative government in Westminster and a Labour administration in Cardiff.It will be encouraging to see whether the recent election presents the opportunity for some unity between central and devolved administrations. This time has seen the implementation of the Bedroom Tax, Universal Credit rollout, WHQS, Renting Homes (Wales) and the sector continues to meet these challenges. We can always do better but we shouldn’t underestimate how far we have come either.  

4. What is a good way to ensure tenants or the public have their voices heard?

Talk to them. Create opportunities for direct conversations. If any positives came out of the pandemic at all, it’s that people relished face-to-face conversations again and valued the personal connections they were denied for so long.

The critical element of this which can sometimes be overlooked is feedback. If people have gone out of their way to tell us their thoughts, give their opinion or complete a survey, then we are also obligated to tell them what we have done with their information and what they can expect to change as a result.

5.What inspires me to do what I do?

I’m inspired by other people. I put a great deal on authentic leadership and passion. In Merthyr Valleys Homes, I feel blessed to work alongside so many passionate people who genuinely want to improve their organisation, and their community. Being around this kind of vibrancy inspires me to be better – and we can always be better.