Graduate profiles

Michael Westbrook

Michael is a 2009 graduate who studied for a degree in Politics at the University of Warwick. As a student he worked at a Housing Association in the North West during his summer breaks.

“From my summer job I’d learned there was much more to the housing sector than the majority of undergraduates realise. What impressed me about Affinity Sutton was its national remit and the scale of developments for new homes. I loved that it had a strong focus on community investment - the organisation probably spends more on projects for disadvantaged people than some charities do!

For my first three months I was based in Strategic Research. To support our Knowledge Management strategy, I produced a discussion paper on making the best use of knowledge across the organisation. I also investigated the latest market segmentation techniques, to see how they could help shape future strategies and improve services.

My second placement was in Housing Management which was the ideal introduction to what the social housing sector is all about. I assisted in a review of caretaking services across the country. The result was an in-depth report that could be turned into an action plan for standardising the way we provide caretaking services on our estates. 

My third placement, in Development, was very different from any of the others. This time I was looking at the issues around communal heating systems in new build properties. Biomass boilers and hydraulic interface units might sound like dry subjects, but the work was really about problem solving.  I ended the first year in Key Worker Operations. This is a fairly new team working in an area earmarked for growth - I got to write many of the new policies and procedures, which broadened my experience further.

For the second year I’m specialising in Asset Management, where there’s a big emphasis on regeneration. Historically, social housing providers have focused on the physical fabric of buildings and estates when deciding where to invest. I’m helping to develop a methodology which also takes account of social considerations, to help us target community investment funds more effectively.

Ultimately this is what our work is all about – taking a highly commercial, professional approach to maximise the impact we can have on vulnerable people. Early in my second placement, I remember going out on a neighbourhood appraisal exercise. I was a little nervous about knocking on people’s doors, but everyone was so friendly and welcoming. They were genuinely proud of where they lived, which really brought home why I’m thrilled to be on this graduate scheme and excited by my future with Affinity Sutton.”