support worker

caretaker

housing manager

business support

head of operations

Forum-Housing-Association

What is the best part of working at the company?
The best part of working at the company is the opportunity to create meaningful, joyful experiences every single day. It’s not just about the work we do—it’s about the moments we share.

One of the most rewarding aspects is conducting truly positive and enjoyable adventures alongside the residents. Whether it’s a special event, an outing, or simply a creative activity together, each experience becomes a chance to spark laughter, connection, and lasting memories.

There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing residents light up with excitement and feeling the energy of shared happiness. Those moments remind us why we do what we do. It’s about building relationships, encouraging participation, and fostering a sense of belonging.

Overall, it’s the brilliance of the people—the residents, the team, the shared spirit—that makes working here so special. Every day brings new opportunities to inspire joy, celebrate individuality, and make a genuine difference.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The most challenging part of working at the company is balancing the many responsibilities that come with ensuring every resident receives the highest level of care, attention, and engagement. There are busy days when schedules are full, needs are evolving, and we’re working hard to make every detail just right.

However, that “stress” really comes from caring deeply. It comes from wanting every activity to be meaningful, every interaction to be thoughtful, and every resident to feel valued and supported.

At times, coordinating events, managing different personalities, and adapting quickly to unexpected changes can feel demanding. But those moments also build resilience, teamwork, and creativity. They push us to communicate better, collaborate more closely, and continuously improve.

In the end, even the most stressful moments are rooted in our commitment to excellence. And when we see the residents smiling, engaged, and thriving, it makes every challenge worthwhile.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The work environment at the company is supportive, collaborative, and purpose-driven. There is a strong sense of teamwork, where everyone works together to ensure residents feel valued, respected, and cared for.

The culture is built on compassion, positivity, and mutual respect. Team members uplift one another, communicate openly, and step in to help when needed. There’s a shared understanding that what we do truly matters, which creates a meaningful and motivating atmosphere.

It’s also an environment that encourages creativity and growth. New ideas are welcomed, individual strengths are recognized, and everyone is encouraged to bring their personality and passion into their role.

Overall, the culture feels like a community—professional yet warm, structured yet flexible, and always centered around making a positive difference.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day at the company is dynamic, meaningful, and centered around connection. Each morning usually begins with reviewing the schedule, checking in with team members, and making sure everything is in place for the day’s activities and resident needs.

From there, the day often involves coordinating and leading engaging activities, spending quality time with residents, and ensuring everyone feels included and supported. No two days are exactly the same, which keeps the work exciting and fulfilling.

There are moments of planning and organization behind the scenes, but the heart of the day is always interaction—sharing conversations, laughter, and meaningful experiences. I also stay flexible, as adapting to residents’ needs and unexpected changes is part of creating the best possible environment.

By the end of the day, it’s incredibly rewarding to reflect on the smiles, connections, and small victories that made a difference. Every day brings new opportunities to positively impact someone’s life.

What is the best part of working at the company?
It's hard to say what the best part of the job is as no two days are the same. We work as a team ensuring our clients, who are often overlooked and misunderstood by society  get the best service they can when addressing their needs and issues. The organisation is one that doesn't make judgements on people and understands that all are individuals. It's nice to know that the work we do can make a change in someone's life. Even if it's a brief chat or a cup of tea. The same goes with the staff team from the CEO to the latest employee. All are treated equally. If someone has an issue or concern and don't feel it's been addressed by the manager then you can always speak to someone from the senior team which includes the CEO. During my employment of 30 years with the company I have had contact with HR, CEO and the senior team. All my questions have been answered and they answer the questions clearly and concisely. They have supported me through illness and bereavement. Colleagues from others sites and departments support each other and are always there for support and encouragement. If you're unsure of something or need help they're on the end of the phone and will come to help you. The company is a good employer and is constantly working with it's residents, staff and partners' to make sure FHA is the best in the area and an excellent employer. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The clients can be challenging at times but this soon blows over. If you want to be employed in this job then you have to accept that the cliental is one which struggles which various issues. By understanding their needs/issues/frustrations you are able to gauge how to handle situations. There is always support of your colleagues and senior staff as well (if it was necessary). On the whole however I feel it can be stressful but that's just at that moment in time. At the end of your shift you can go home and think 'well got through today  and it wasn't that bad'. The paperwork can be heavy at times but that's the nature of the job and government legislation requires it. If you get into a routine it's easily managed. If you want to work in this type of job then you have to accept it. After all it protects you and the company. Most jobs have a workload. It's how you manage it.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
I would say it's good. As I have said before the company is a good one. All the staff teams are approachable from CEO to the latest employee. It's very friendly which some people find hard to believe but it's true. I think is is because we all care about the people we work with. The association operates an open door so if you need to speak to senior management or HR you can make an appointment. There are numerous road shows, training sessions throughout the year. We have the AGM and awards also. There are staff surveys so people can always have their say. 
The association believes in what it does and it's not just 'lip service'. I find it hard to recognise the company from some reviews as it's not the company I recognise. If you feel you need training/guidance in certain areas the manager or HR will arrange it. Basically it's a good company and everyone is friendly. If you don't believe in what the company does or genuinely want to help people I don't think it will be the job for you.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
No day is typical which is good. You can work at your own pace. Meet clients and identify their goals and what they wish to achieve. Do paperwork. Attend to e mails or meetings. May be do and activity with a group of people. Varies

Senior management strives to make sure communication at all levels as good as it can be, and this is constantly being reviewed and encouraged. In my experience and that of my colleagues,  our Board and Exec team are approachable in a very real sense, staff teams really do support each other, through reflective practice and working together to find ways forward and celebrate success. This is really crucial, because we do work with sometimes challenging client groups and situations, which is undeniably not easy at times, particularly because we do care.  But... it is also hugely rewarding. I have always heard colleagues openly being praised and recognised by senior management and board for what we all do to help support people to change their lives for the better; which makes it 100% a great and supportive place to work. I have worked in numerous different roles and and have been lucky enough to see our organisation go from strength to strength in how we have developed over the years, and to work with / alongside some wonderful people; which includes staff, residents and volunteers. Forum is also great for putting the right people in the right places, often providing opportunity to develop and try new areas of work broader than our roles, and being innovative in how we do things. Ideas come from all areas of the organisation, including residents and staff, and I feel both fortunate and proud to be part of Forum.

I have been with Forum for over 20 years. Initially I went there to help make tea at a meeting a friend of mine had arranged for people suffering domestic violence. I enjoyed meeting the  people there so much that I asked about vacancies with the Association.
After an interview I was offered a casual position with the Association.  My life  changed immediately. I grew as a person, increased my knowledge of a diverse range of issues and increased my skillset dramatically. I enjoyed working with young people with various difficulties 
 learning how best to support them by working within a team which worked as a unit to give young people the opportunities they otherwise might not get. I was offered roles I didn't  think  I could do but the help and support I received from managers was first class. In addition, the training offered to me by HR was invaluable. I became a Support Worker  which then gave me the opportunity to progress to deal with people with complex needs and mental health issues. Later on in my career I was given the opportunity to go back to college and do a leadership/management course which helped me progress to become a Manager with a my own Staff Team. I enjoy every day because it's a great place to work where I am allowed & enabled to grow as a person and constantly enhance my skills & knowledge. I also derive huge satisfaction from helping others to do the same.  

Forum are a small organisation with a big heart, delivering amazing support for those in need.  Supported housing for those who are homeless can be a difficult environment to work in, due to the difficulties faced by the people we support.  Forum's ethos of helping each other and being part of the Forum Family is very strong, and they offer a lot of support to staff, both in respect of work and for your own wellbeing.  Management are very supportive, and allow you to grow and develop in your role, and to take responsibility for your work. Colleagues are helpful and work together, and support you in your own learning.  It can sometimes be stressful, due to the nature of the work, but this is well understood and there is lots of support.  Everyone in the organisation is valued for what they do.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The company values aren't just fancy straplines, everybody from front line support staff and the executive team stick to them.  The executive team are all approachable and sit out on the "shop floor" with staff - there is no "them and us".

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Paper and authorisations - many tasks take longer than they should due to the amount of paper in use and physical signatures required.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Excellent, as stated previously - everybody sticks to the company values and the exec team are all very approachable and listen, it really does feel like one big team working for the same causes.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Every day is different for me, but I can always rely on getting the full cooperation from colleagues across the company.

When I came to work for Forum, Curzon House, I had no real life experience of working in such a challenging role, I had been used to working in a demanding, busy , and responsible role but nothing prepared me for the role of a support worker helping  people with serious addictions. I have been challenged at times and frustrated about how I can best do my role, but the reward you get back from changing peoples lives, helping them to reduce addiction, wanting to move on in life and helping them move into a forever home, and off the streets, is just so rewarding. Just today, I have been given a sticker to wear  off the residents that says 'Employee of the month', it was so touching as they told me I make a difference to their lives 😊
 At Forum I have felt so supported when days have been tough, the Team I work with are brilliant, and the Management are approachable and friendly. I would not hesitate to recommend Curzon House as a rewarding place to work. 

No two days are the same at Forum Housing as customers keep us busy supporting them to improve their lives.  There is plenty of variance in work place roles at different sites with different shifts but always good team work with association colleagues.  
I have always been supported by management and team colleagues, which has helped me grow and develop new skills and confidence to progress into different roles in the association.  
Over past two/three years  there has been numerous training courses which have helped myself and all staff become more understanding and knowledgeable when supporting vulnerable people and improving the service.
I would always recommend Forum Housing as a good employment option to anyone wanting work in this sector.
 

I have been an employee for a while in Chester and have to say the support I have recieved from the team and management has been second to none! There isn't anything that can't be discussed and implemented if thought to have a more productive outcome for the residents. I think there is a preconceived notion that staff are there to solve people's problems in a click of a finger, the reality is those who access the service generally have chronic complexities that present in chaotic behaviour that some staff may not have experienced before which can be difficult, but also it is the most rewarding thing I have experienced. We meet people where they're at and work from there and sometimes that is just promoting safety without judgement. 

.No two days are the same working with such a diverse entrenched client group
.There is hope in the most helpless cases and no one should ever be written off!
.Management have mentored and supported me into my role as a manager. Higher Management and HR  have been very supportive especially when I had a family bereavement. I felt supported and was given the time I needed with the full support of Forum Staff. I have never felt this supported by an employer in my carrier whenever I have encountered personal issues. Thus I am eternally grateful to Forum housing. It really does feel like a family.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Support worker 18 salaries reported	£28,043 per year
Caretaker 7 salaries reported	£26,563 per year
Housing manager 8 salaries reported	£23,791 per year
Business support 1 salary reported	£27,221 per year
Head of operations 2 salaries reported	£62,883 per year

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