The role of a housing and employment officer is a “unique” one. Unique in the sense that not many councils have one, but also because they are “uniquely positioned” to identify the barriers facing low-income families, as they see residents every day. Monica Chabria, a housing and employment officer in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is one such person.

Chabria’s role “bridges a gap”, she says. She is employed by the council, but the majority of her work involves dealing directly with housing associations to help them support their tenants, finding them work and training and managing their finances.