Elim Celebrates International Women's Day 2025

On International Women’s Day, Elim is proud to celebrate female inclusion across our organisation. This year’s theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a future where no one is left behind.

This year, we reflect on the vital contributions women make in the social housing sector to promote equality and empowerment. We sat down with Kelly, Compliance Manager, to find out more about her role, the importance of female representation in the sector, and how we can support inclusion for women.

Hi, I’m Kelly, Compliance Manager for Elim Housing. I work within the Asset Team and manage all areas of compliance, including what is known as the ‘big 6’ in the compliance world; gas, electric, water management, asbestos, lifts and fire. 

Part of my role is making sure we have everything scheduled in advance before any preventative maintenance expires, working closely with our two surveyors, and recording and reporting on damp and mould for the organisation once further investigation has taken place. As well as this I’m usually busy with project works, involving new fire door installs and fire compartmentation for our properties. This involves a lot of organisation, working with residents, contractors and staff.

Having the right tools to get the job done

When I first joined Elim in 2023 as a Compliance Officer, I was already halfway through my Level 4 Diploma – Asset and Building Management Compliance. I learnt so much during this qualification, and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in working in building compliance. I passed my qualification in May 2024, and was then promoted to Compliance Manager, which has been my dream role since I started working in compliance! Every day is a school day, and you never stop learning in this type of career.

I suppose what stands out for me at Elim is, everyone belongs, Elim doesn’t discriminate if you’re different and why should they! We have access to courses and training and are encouraged to ask questions to better understand our role in achieving our vision.

Working in social housing

Working in the social housing sector can be rewarding and you can really make a difference. I like working somewhere where your views and actions can be life changing for others.

My career highlights

My biggest achievement was completing my level 4 Diploma in Asset and Building Management Compliance Qualification. There were times when I thought I was never going to complete the course while juggling work life and family, but perseverance and determination are powerful things.

I had a change of career at age 40, which at first seemed daunting, but I’m so glad I made the leap to switch paths and do something completely out of my comfort zone, don’t let age put you off! My advice to anyone currently stuck in a career rut, would be to just do it! change career. Love what you do, be happy, no regrets.

How can the sector support inclusion for women?

Women tend to be the ones to juggle the majority of the childcare while trying to hold down a job, so we need flexibility to enable us to do our roles. I don’t believe the traditional 9-5 works for many anymore and it’s great that organisations are acknowledging this and adapting where possible.

Creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable to challenge bias is also key, If you receive or witness bias in the workplace, challenge this and speak up, we’re all in this together.