I will never stop learning in this role

I was a bricklayer from 1978–93 and in site management until my present role which started in December 2016. I worked on small family-run company sites with £1–3 million turnover and I've been a Site Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, sometimes Designer and at times Plant Operator!

I needed a new challenge, there was nowhere to go within the company and my workload was mostly a juggling game.

I felt that I had a lot of experience and knowledge that I could bring to the role, like meeting people and learning.

Being involved in the practical side of most situations and dealing with architects and engineers along with building control I have a vast range of experience that has helped me with the change of roles. My management role has helped me with communication skills and ensuring that I'm able to be understood.

Within a couple of weeks the team I joined were happy to let me loose on large new builds for all inspections, having proven my competence when shadowing qualified surveyors. I have learnt a lot since joining the team but still feel there is more to learn. I've delivered a 33-bed care home to date which has helped as a learning opportunity. I can honestly say I will never stop learning in this role and can only improve.

Meeting and helping people, feeling that I've made a difference and that I'm generally making buildings more compliant.

I took an HNC night course for two nights a week over two years (funded by myself) and attended the LABC Domestic Plan Checker course at LABC's headquarters.

It was the care home I think. As the main inspector I only missed one site visit due to holiday.

I think the main benefits are gaining knowledge and being able to share this. Also being seen as a professional.

To protect people in and around buildings, to ensure the building is fit for purpose and also to help ensure that people get what they think they are paying for and will be problem-free.

Home time!