Lovell: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures

Kirsty is testament; by providing the support, mentoring, training and opportunity to progress, you can develop within the company and industry. Here she shares her Lovell journey.

Why a career in construction?

Living in Darley House, where Lovell was carrying out refurbishment work, she met Resident Liaison Officer Donna at her pre-start appointment. Donna asked if she was interested in a new direction - and that conversation opened the door to a whole new world. Kirsty had never seen herself in construction, assuming it was just about 'building houses' and meant only for people with a trade. But through Lovell, she discovered the industry was far more diverse and welcoming than she ever imagined.

What does an RLO do?

“My role consists of a lot of communication with residents.  I carry out face to face pre-start visits, informing residents of the scope of works in their home and around their home. We have the information about vulnerable people and ask if people have special needs or if they are pregnant.

I spend a lot of time speaking with residents and making sure that they are informed about all aspects of the works and the impact that it will have on their home.”

Advice for anyone considering a career in construction

Kirsty wants others, especially women, to see that construction isn’t just for men. “It’s not male dominant,” she says. “There are roles in the industry for females. And anything you want to do; you will be supported.” Her message is simple: don’t count yourself out. There’s a place for everyone in this industry.

What it’s like working for Lovell

For Kirsty, that supportive environment has made all the difference. She never imagined herself in construction, but thanks to Lovell, she feels empowered, included, and excited about what lies ahead.

“Every day is different, dealing with different people all the time. The variety is great.

The people at Lovell are really supportive – all of them. Donna has taught me a lot. I was supported from the start and encouraged to be self-motivated and get on with things. We all have a good working relationship. The people are approachable, kind, relaxed and have a good sense of humour.  Lovell is a good company to work for, I feel valued as a person, not just a number.

If it was dim and dismal I would have left by now!”

What next?

Kirsty started with Lovell in 2023 as a Trainee Resident Liaison Officer, on 1^st August 2025 she was promoted to Resident Liaison Officer. Through continuing support and development, Kirsty will go from strength to strength in her career and an advocate for women in construction, balancing her career with being a mum.

Additional points:

Kirsty is visible on site, doing regular walkabouts which makes her accessible to residents. She will often chat with residents as she makes her way round the site.

As a social housing resident herself, she is authentic, understanding that those living in social housing are people with lives and commitments and are not just at home waiting for workers to arrive.

Listening is a key part of being a Resident Liaison Officer and in this way, Kirsty builds trust with residents. They will sometimes call her for a chat when they are struggling with something in their lives and are looking for a soundboard. This shows the level of trust she has built with the residents and how much she is seen as a member of the community.

Kirsty believes that another key part of building trust with residents is how she puts herself across to them. She gives a little bit about herself to encourage others to share so she can better support them.

Kirsty and the rest of the site team do what they can to support residents. This can be anything from making a cup of tea for someone during the upheaval of the work to working flexibly around appointments.

Kirsty and the rest of the site team at Darley House used their local knowledge of the community and strengths within the team to help shape a football event for kids during the summer holidays.

Claire Smithson, Head of HR & Kirsty Davies, Trainee Resident Liasion Officer, Lovell Partnerships Ltd (WISH National Sponsor)