Last year, CCHA launched a Self-Development Fund with a funding pot of £25,000 supporting five qualifications, four knowledge and skills development and attendance on courses and conferences, under the commitment to Grow our Own and invest in talent within the organisation.
This funding supports staff and their professional development goals, helping them get to the next step in their career.
Maryan Mohamed is halfway through a Housing Masters at Stirling University, which is being funded through the Self Development Fund. She said:
“I had completed the CIH Housing Level 3 course with a previous employer and it was always my intention to eventually do the level 4 or 5. When I saw that CCHA had a fund specifically for learning development, I jumped at the chance and put a request in to continue the CIH Housing learning. Vicki Miller then came back to me and told me I should do a Master’s degree instead. I had always felt limited due to time and finances, and now I had the perfect opportunity to pursue my career goals.
“I have a busy homelife with my family, whilst juggling my role as a Neighbourhood Assistant, so it was important to find a course that can be offered part-time and through distance learning, which I was able to find at Stirling University. I submitted the Development Fund application in August 2024 and started in September. It’s a part time course over two years, so year one is now done and I’m excited to get started on the second year now.
“I grew up in Scandinavia which gave me a different perspective on the right to good quality housing for all and through all tenures. My ultimate goal is to get into the policy and influencing side of housing and be a part of the change for Wales.
“Without the support of CCHA, I would never have been able to access a masters. They’ve given me a stepping stone to where I want to be.”
Lewys Peploe has just finished the first year of a two-year HNC course at University of South Wales. Lewys said:
“I joined CCHA just two years ago as a technical maintenance administrator. I was told about the self-development fund by my manager, Mark Hapgood, and I was successful in applying for the funding to do a HNC qualification. I started the two-year course at the University of South Wales in September, and I’ve just finished the first year. I would never have considered doing this course if the fund wasn’t available through CCHA, but this has given me the next step in my career.
“I’ve quickly progressed due to the opportunities I’ve been given during my time here, and I was promoted to the role of Building Surveyor in May. During the academic year, I do one day a week at the university, and my manager has been very understanding and accommodating with work and course work.
“I’m looking forward to seeing where this takes me next.”
Nick Smart is the concierge at Aquila House and used the Self Development Fund to pay for driving lessons. He said:
“First, I want to thank Liz Addison and her team for sorting all this out, they are all amazing, without them I wouldn’t have had this new lease of life.
“Learning to drive has been a great experience, something I thought that had passed me by and I would never get a chance to do. Being able to drive will open new opportunities and get me out of my comfort zone, it has given me confidence that I never thought I had. This will not only change my life, but my family’s life too.
“The future is bright and passing my test is just the start.”