LHC Annual Review
IBRAR MIAN Technical Support Manager, WPA "Through the work we do we’re making an impact on people’s lives. Giving them homes, creating jobs, growing skills, supporting businesses, leaving a legacy. Construction isn’t just about bricks and mortar."
I’ve worked for WPA for just three months but was aware of the organisation before joining. I previously worked for a housing association in Wales, where part of my role was producing procurement and specification documentation for refurbishment and new build projects.
I’ve been able to transfer those skills to WPA and broaden the range of building, refurbishment and maintenance projects I’m involved in. I work closely with our client partners every day to understand their needs and the drivers from the Welsh Government.
In the coming weeks, I’m focusing more of my time travelling to meet Appointed Companies. There’s a fantastic two-way exchange of information that happens there and the WPA team works hard to maintain dialogue before, during and after projects.
I’m sensing a real momentum in Wales around finding innovative ways to tackle carbon reduction and housing challenges. The recent launch of our NH2 framework for Offsite Construction of New Homes has prompted plenty of conversation and I expect it to play a big role in faster delivery of more energy efficient homes.
It’s motivating to be involved in projects that reflect the optimism I had about energy efficient buildings when I wrote my university dissertation 12 years ago. It’s taken a long time to get here but organisations appear to be ready for change. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of offsite construction projects through and helping to create the homes people need.
I always keep in mind a mantra of a housing association I am involved with: “not just housing”. Through the work we do at the WPA we’re making an impact on people’s lives. Helping to deliver homes, creating jobs, growing skills, supporting businesses, leaving a legacy. Construction isn’t just about bricks and mortar. Two years from now, I’m hoping to see some of the innovations we’re helping to introduce fully in place and making a difference to communities.
