Awful experience - Letting Administrator CPS Homes Employee Review

I’ve been with CPS Homes since 2005, so I’m now into my twentieth year here. Having started straight from school, it’s the only job I’ve ever had and known. I didn’t have the first clue about the property industry when I first started, but the knowledge I’ve picked up along the way has served me well both inside and outside of work. I started as an Office Junior, photocopying, leafleting and generally assisting the more experienced staff, which was a great ‘paper round’ as it meant I got to know the business and the people at the same time. Back then, we had just the one office, managed a handful of properties and weren’t doing sales. Nowadays, we’re a strong regional presence, manage the biggest portfolio in Wales, and sell hundreds of properties each year. Not long after starting, I moved into an Accounts role, which is a department I ended up managing for a few years. In that role, I learnt enough about the business to allow me to transition into a Lettings Manager role, and later Branch Manager. I’ve always felt that the effort I put in, both now and over the years, is recognised and rewarded. Nowadays, my position is Director of Operations, where I still retain a hands-on role in all aspects of the business. My role now involves elements of marketing, lettings, accounts, policies, procedures, training, legal/legislative knowledge – and everything in between. Along the way, I’ve met and made friends with some brilliant colleagues. We all work closely together, so those bonds get formed – and it’s not unusual for us to do things outside of work together. Everybody I’ve worked with in all my time here has had their part to play in helping the business grow to what it is today. Being an agent means you’re the go‑between for landlords, tenants and contractors. It’s demanding, but it’s also hugely rewarding when you get successes like letting a property, receiving a thank you from a tenant or their parent, or even a box of chocolates from a landlord. If you’re thinking of taking the next step in your property career – or, like me, your first step – I’d say CPS Homes is a great choice. You’ll learn something new every day, your contribution will count, and you’ll have plenty of chances to grow along the way.

Not applicable in this instance

A chance to develop your customer service skills. A good insight to the housing market and relevant legislation.

Long hours (45hrs a week with regular Saturday shifts. Time off in lieu is available for the Saturdays, but it’s rare you get the chance to take it off and you have to request to get it paid to you). Don’t pay any attention to your job title - you’ll do every job that is possible within the company. Very poor management. Micro-management to the point that you’re not trusted to do small jobs without management interfering. Managers do not care for employee welfare. Hardly any training, you’re expected to get on with your job as soon as you start and you’re reprimanded for getting things wrong (even if you’ve never been told how to do them correctly).