It seems that I've been getting noticed more then I thought over the last few years.

During the week I got an email asking if I would consider being co-opted onto steering group for 'In the Driving Seat' training program.

I realise this probably doesn't mean anything to the members here so to explain it is one of the premier training courses for committee members of tenant management organisations. However it is London based and is the collobaritive work of five major social landlords and the confederation of co-operative housing. The group got together to tackle a serious neglect in the training of board members for tenant managed organisations.

It is an exciting time as they are currently looking to tie the course in with a similar course run by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) so those who do all the modules to a set standard could get a nationally recognised level 4 certificate in housing management.

I have already expressed serious concerns about this move as at that level (on par with a diploma) I feel it would put many off. If this was the case I would also be concerned the value of the courses in providing ordinary tenants with core skills and knowledge for running their own estates would be lost. I was asked how I would feel about a two tier courses aimed at level 2 and level 4. As level 2 is roughly equivelant to GCSE I was much happier with this as an introduction level.

There is also a strong possibility that steering group members will be trained, by the CIH as 'recognisers' approving trainee certification.

This weekend I was at a national conference and a member of the Communities and Local Government who was talking about a pilot scheme which is due to be roled out nationally. It encourages Landlords to employ local active tenants as involvement officers. In return the department provides training empowering the tenant to move their skills as volunteers into paid positions, around £30,000 per annum, as well as setting up networks for those involved to share experiences and best practices.

One of the council officers present asked to speak to me afterwards and explained only one of the local TMOs has the resources to do this, but if they could convince 5 local TMOs to club together and I spent one day a week at each TMO would I be interested. errrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmm.... let me think.

I get paid for doing what I do now, not just for one estate but five! I get away from the strategic planning and down to the practical side and get to make things happen.

One major concern is one of the TMOs they want to consider is the one I am Chair off. I would have to resign. However the type of work I am aiming for would probably end up with the same result, and would mean working away from Southwark. But said yes I would certainly be keen to consider it and we could look at getting past the hurdles.

Hopefully the post would last more then a year, but if not I will be developing contacts with some of the top employers in London with the other opportunity.

This one won't happen over night. The role out will not happen for another two or three months, and would take 6 months to make happen. It would also mean working a good deal from home.

Anyway I said I was definately interested.

So prospects are looking very good at the moment.

Sounds promising George. How would you feel about working away from home?

??? I would be working from home, not away from home.

However for the right job, the right money and cheap room to rent I guess I would consider it.

Things are certainly looking up for you George.

thats great news George, i knew someone had to recognise all that experience you were clocking up one day! well done you!

great news, the future is definitley looking orange

not bananas!!!

LOL Trueblue, I am hoping it will have a lot of greens in it as well

or some pinks

sounds a very exciting prospect George, something for you to really get your teeth stuck into, good luck

It sounds right up your street George. All the work you've put in seems to be finally paying dividends. Good luck. Make sure you keep us up to date with developments.

Not really sure George, I'll google them