• Can you describe your role as a community liaison officer and the primary responsibilities you handle?

I serve as the primary point of contact between local residents and the contractors working on the construction of the Bermondsey Project, ensuring residents are informed about ongoing construction work. I also communicate any issues and concerns back to Greystar and work to resolve any complaints.

• What motivated you to pursue this career, and how did you get started?

I enjoy interacting with people, listening to their concerns, and helping them find solutions. I got started in this field after meeting a contractor at a job fair who explained the role to me. It intrigued me because I had never done this type of work before. The opportunity to communicate with people and contribute to community improvements appealed to me.

• What does a typical day look like for you?

I handle answering emails from residents and visiting them to check on how the project is affecting their daily lives. Additionally, I help distribute the monthly newsletter.

• What are some of the most common challenges you face in your role, and how do you address them?

When a resident’s inquiry is not directly related to the project, I always strive to understand how best to assist them. If the issue can be resolved on our end, I take steps to address it; otherwise, I direct them to the appropriate resources.
Community Engagement

• How do you build and maintain trust within the community?

I build and maintain trust by being present in an official capacity; I reassure residents that I am here to make their lives easier.

• What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is successfully resolving people’s complaints and concerns, ensuring they are satisfied at the end of the day.

• What strategies do you use to effectively communicate with diverse groups within the community?

I put myself in their shoes as a person from the local community to understand their concerns and how best to address them.

• How do you handle conflict resolution within the community?

I think the best way to handle conflicts is by arranging face to face meetings with the resident when an issue arises.

• What are your goals for the future in your role as a community liaison officer?

In the future I would like to be able to help arrange events to give back to the local community, showing appreciation for their engagement during the project’s progress.

• How do you envision the role of community liaison officers evolving in the next few years?

I think there will be increasing adoption of technology, such as using iPads instead of relying heavily on paper, which will help streamline information sharing.

• What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a community liaison officer?

I would recommend exercising patience, communicating clearly and effectively, maintaining transparency, and organizing oneself efficiently.

• Are you a Southwark resident? If so, how has living in the community influenced your approach to your role and your understanding of local issues?

Yes, I am a resident of Southwark.I always approach my work in a professional manner so this doesn’t impact how I do my job, but living in the area does contribute to my understanding of how the community feels about the project.

• Is there anything else you would like the community to know about your work or the role of community liaison officers in general?

I would like to encourage people to reach out to me with any concerns or issues related to the construction work on the site so we can work together to resolve them.