Claire Martin, Head of Supporting People Programme

How long have you been in post?

Seven years.

Could you briefly describe a 'typical' day?

The job entails working within a multi-agency partnership between housing, health, probation and social care. A typical day could involve meeting, or communicating via a variety of mechanisms, with elected members, providers of housing related support at all levels and colleagues within the multi-agency partnership.

I have overall responsibility for managing the decision-making structure, strategic planning, policy, budgets, quality assessment, IT and provider/service user consultation (we have 21 service user groups).

The job also entails report writing, briefing and dealing with complaints and includes problem solving and managing a team and resources within a complex multi-agency environment. I also do quite a lot of public speaking on a county, regional and national basis. I work closely with the Department of Communities and Local Government and the Home Office. Currently I am preparing for an Audit Commission inspection.

What is the best thing about your job?

My job is hugely varied, challenging and intellectually stimulating. I also feel as if I am making a difference to vulnerable people's lives within the community.

Is there anything you'd change about it if you could?

The government department I largely deal with is quite demanding in relation to the provision of information.

How would people get into this sort of work? (Any particular career path or qualifications needed? If not how did you get into the work?)

I worked for a health authority, the Housing Corporation and then worked in a variety of housing roles within KCC. I have a housing qualification and a management qualification and am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing. I am a board member of a housing association (a committee member of their supported living committee) and I chair a board within the housing association.