Retiring colleague bids farewell to housing firm after 27 years

 A retiring colleague has praised Trent & Dove housing for its “family atmosphere” and “dedication to its tenants” as he bids farewell to the housing association after 27 years.

Cliff Warner, who has been with the organisation for more than two decades, attributes his long tenure to the strong friendships he built with colleagues and the unwavering support he received.

Earlier this week, his colleagues held a presentation for Cliff, during which he received a hamper and a card filled with well wishes.

His career began with a short period at Burton-based tyre manufacturer BTR, and later followed by a stint renovating a dray at the former Bass Museum.

In 1996, he joined East Staffordshire Borough Council as a seasonal grounds maintenance operative, where he helped maintain its homes, alongside Stapenhill Gardens and Shobnall Playing Fields, to name but a few.

When the local authority transferred its housing stock to Trent & Dove in 2001, Cliff transitioned with it, taking on the role of area caretaker.

Over the years, he played a key part in maintaining Trent & Dove’s now 6,000 affordable homes across local urban and rural communities.

Finishing his career as a contract supervisor overseeing grounds maintenance contracts, Cliff never considered leaving Trent & Dove, crediting its positive atmosphere and commitment to its mission: Transforming Homes, Lives, and Communities.

Nick Sutton, head of property services at Trent & Dove, said: “Cliff has been a credit to Trent & Dove.

“His hard work over these 27 years has been truly outstanding. His commitment to maintaining our homes and communities, along with the strong relationships he built with colleagues, has left a lasting impact.

“His long service reflects how much we value and look after our staff by building an environment where people want to stay and grow

“We are incredibly grateful for his hard work and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement."

Among the many positive changes Cliff witnessed during the step change from Local Authority to Housing Association, was the development of two key grounds maintenance contracts to enhance open and communal spaces.

These initiatives ensured that areas managed by Trent & Dove remained well-maintained and gradually improved upon with a ‘constant improvement’ approach, ultimately improving residents’ quality of life.

Reflecting on other improvements, Cliff noted: “More robust monitoring systems are now being implemented for contracts, ensuring we can track our partners more efficiently. This ensures that Trent & Dove customers receive value for money and can see the work completed in real time through electronic portals.”

In retirement, he plans to dedicate more time to his artwork, hiking, and travelling.

He shared: “Being part of Trent & Dove has been a wonderful experience. It started with former CEO Ron Dougan, who built up a family atmosphere that still thrives today.

“There is a true passion for tenants and for making a difference.”

“I will always have a connection to Trent & Dove - it will always be a part of my life.”