Senior Accommodation Manager Review

Management of Student Accommodation for the University of Brighton, this includes property management, delivery of the student experience and liaison with the University to ensure that our students have a safe and enjoyable stay at the Halls and experience the same as if they had lived in University managed accommodation.

by completing the apprenticeship I have gained a greater understanding of the background to many tasks and have a broader understanding of the operational management responsibilities required by my role. I can use those skills in my day to day job and it has enhanced the delivery of my role.

I found it very challenging trying to undertake the study whilst still working from site during the covid 19 pandemic. At times this has added additional stress into my work situation, but I soldiered on and have now completed all of the assignments , just needing to complete the final parts of exam, presentation , skills matrix and Professional discussion.

Once it started, it has been well managed and easy to understand. I did have to chase Management to ensure that I was allowed time away from the office to complete the study, but once this was in place it worked well until the pandemic struck and I was then alone on site for a few months so study was not a priority. This was addressed after student intake in September 2020 and study was again allowed and this enabled me to complete the programme.

I feel that you have to take ownership of the study and request the time to complete the modules. It can be easy to allow distractions of work to take you away from this, but if you are determined to succeed, it can be very rewarding and gives a feeling of achievement as you progress through the study.

My tutor was there when I needed her, but i am quite a confident learner so most of the time I was happy to work through the units as set and would often request additional study if I could see i was getting on top of the programme. I found the first few Professional discussions awkward but soon got used to the format.

It provides a background and understanding of many of the tasks that I do day to day. It has given me a better understanding of myself , my role and how to manage staff. I am glad I have done it and will continue to reap the benefits, as will Optivo.

We are quite a remote site, with a small team so the extra-curricular opportunities are not many. due to the pandemic all physical meeting and networking was stopped in early 2020, but contact via Zoom and Teams has continued and become the norm. I am sure future opportunities will grow as lockdown eases.

Yes

Optivo has an ethos of supporting staff and residents, in study and development. Staff are encouraged to take part in personal development and take part in social impact activities to support our residents in both social housing and Student and key worker sites. They offer supportive management, but also want you to take ownership and feel empowered to progress your own career.

If you are applying for a job at Optivo, I would suggest you research the field you are applying to so that you can demonstrate knowledge of that field for the competency based interview. Show a passion for the job and what you can bring to the organisation and the area that you are applying to.