Elly Hoult

Chief Operating Officer, Peabody, and incoming President of the Chartered Institute of Housing

1 What do you do for fun?

My social life is as busy as my work life, so spending time with friends, holidays, days out and eating out. I also love pub quizzes, jigsaw puzzles (mindfulness) and lying on the sofa with my two cats and bingeing a box set.

2 You have the power to change one thing about the social housing sector: what would it be?

It’d be giving residents the peace of mind that repairs will be handled quickly and professionally by universally integrating proptech solutions into every social home. This would include automating repair requests, leveraging artificial intelligence to match repairs with the most qualified trades, creating a system where residents can track the progress of their repairs in real-time, and using data and sensor technology to identify problems before they escalate. Some of this is already in place, but a fully holistic system would be my goal.

3 What advice would you give to someone starting out in housing?

Social housing isn’t just about handing out keys. There are so many different roles – explore the different areas and find your niche. Be ready to learn new skills, build relationships with residents, network and connect with peers. Most importantly, social housing allows you to combine your professional goals with a sense of social purpose. Remember that you’re part of something bigger than yourself and you can make a difference every day.

4 Who’s your favourite author, and why?

Tough question. I’ve read a lot of Ian Rankin; the main character Rebus is both complicated and flawed and is strangely relatable. I also love Edinburgh, where most of the stories are set, and they explore social issues which feel very relevant to what’s happening today.

5 Strangest thing you’ve ever experienced?

Jumping out of an airplane has to be one of the weirdest and most exhilarating things I’ve ever done.

6 What are your three favourite albums?

Impossible to say. I listen to Back to Black by Amy Winehouse and Random Access Memories by Daft Punk a lot. Right now, I’m enjoying Renaissance by Beyonce.

7 Sat snugly at home or travelling around the world?

Travelling, but not for long periods as I miss my cats.

8 A world without music or a world without literature?

That’s brutal! I’d have to say music. Books take me to places and give me experiences that I might never have. Plus, I could sing along if I wanted some music (I just don’t recommend being nearby whilst I’m doing it).

9 If you had to work in housing in another country, which would it be, and why?

I spent some time with housing folk in Canada and that was cool. They also have great ski resorts.

10 Favourite food?

Shellfish. Give me a crab, a clam or a mussel any day.

11 Pessimistic, optimistic or unsure about the future?

I’m an eternal optimist, although I think we should all be concerned about climate change.

12 You can resurrect anyone from history and talk to them for an hour: who, and why?

It wouldn’t be interesting to anybody else, but my Gramp. I miss him so much and would love to hear his voice again and tell him all the weird and wonderful things that have happened since he passed away.

13 Favourite film?

Withnail and I (I highly recommend).

14 If you didn’t work in housing, what would you do?

I quite like the idea of being a detective or maybe an interior designer.

15 What makes for a good life?

Purpose (for me that’s working in social housing), spending time with loved ones, being kind (one of our values at Peabody and it costs nothing) and, above all, having fun.