Carrie
Supporting People Manager, London Borough of Tower Hamlets

“I manage the Supporting People Programme within Tower Hamlets. Supporting People is a national programme aimed at promoting independence and quality of life for vulnerable people, by providing housing-related support to enable them to live successfully in their accommodation. My role involves managing a Supporting People grant of over £15 million per year; contracting, monitoring and reviewing supported housing services; working in partnership with providers of housing services and delivering support to over 6000 people.

I did not require any formal training to do the job, but my previous management and policy experience meant that I had the right skills for the job. I have received a broad range of internal and external training since working for the council, which has been very helpful.

I like my job – it’s a great opportunity to shape housing related support services in Tower Hamlets. I most enjoy the diversity of the role. I get to meet lots of different people and am involved in a wide range of key programmes that influence services to vulnerable people. No two days are same and I’m always learning new things. Mind you, that can also be part of the challenge of the role! The Supporting People Programme brings a lot of innovation and change, which can sometimes be difficult for people to deal with.”