employability service on hand to assist tenants

An experienced Employability Team is on hand at believe housing to help tenants find a career that’s right for them.  

The Employability Team works with tenants on a one-to-one basis to assist with job searching, provide digital support, help create a CV or covering letter, complete applications, and research job opportunities.

The team is led by Employability Performance Team Leader, Claire Maddison, who has been working in the sector since 2006. Claire, who has been within the team since 2014 says: “I love meeting people, seeing how I can help them and making links to ensure we can move our customers forward into new, exciting opportunities.”

Hayley Robertson is a tenant’s first point of contact with the team as Triage and Referral Assistant, holding initial discussions to find out what support they need. She says: “I find it fulfilling to see how our team is helping the community and watching the progress people make.”

Faye Smith’s role as Health and Wellbeing Coordinator sees her support tenants tackle barriers or day-to-day challenges that they feel might be hindering their progress to find new opportunities linked to work. Faye prides herself on being a “real person, helping real people.” She believes that “with the right information and advice, clear goals, a hardworking attitude and a positive mindset, people’s aspirations are absolutely within reach.”

believe housing has three Employability Coordinators covering central, east and west Durham.

Hollie Chalmers has worked in central Durham for the past three years. She says “listening to someone’s story and understanding where they are now, and where they’d like to be is something I love to do, as I believe this helps shape a person. I think little steps lead to bigger ones, allowing you to achieve your goals without any pressure.”

West Durham is covered by Deborah Woods, who brings many years of experience in the employability sector. Deborah is “dedicated to supporting people to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.”

Marybeth Nicholson has been working in employability for eight years, covering most of the north east. She now works within east Durham and says, “I love working with people and getting to know new customers. I feel that a personal touch is key.”

Our In-Work Coordinator Joanne Brown offers support for people currently in work, whether they are looking for a career change, a fresh challenge, or a more secure contract. Joanne enjoys supporting individuals to make positive changes to their lives, building their confidence, helping to change their mindset and overcome any barriers they may face.

To find out more about believe housing’s Employability Team, head over to the employability and learning page on the believe housing website