60 seconds with Victoria Whitelaw
For the latest instalment in our 60-seconds with blog series, we caught up with our Building Safety Team Manager, Victoria Whitelaw.
Victoria launched her career in property management in 2010, starting in an administration role. Since joining Rendall & Rittner in 2018, Victoria became part of our Health and Safety department in 2019, where she has continued to thrive and make a significant impact. Victoria is also an ambassador for Doyenne, a networking group and platform committed to promoting women in the leasehold industry.
What does the role of Building Safety Team Manager involve?
As Building Safety Team Manager, I am responsible for navigating complex legislation and anticipating future change and for ensuring that we are working to meet deadlines set by the Building Safety Regulator in line with their processes. Equally important is my role in identifying the best ways to support our colleagues, clients and leaseholders in understanding and responding to any relevant policy and legislation.
What do you like most about your job?
It sounds a bit cliché, but it is true that no two days are ever the same. We manage a really varied portfolio, which in turn means we are exposed to a wide range of building safety matters. Being able to work alongside the Property Managers to find the right solution for each unique development is incredibly rewarding.
What challenges do you face in your role?
Property Management is continuously evolving. At Rendall & Rittner, we are committed to continuous improvement and therefore are often introducing new processes and ways to support our clients and residents. Equally, the building safety landscape is evolving further through legislative changes. Whilst we look to anticipate these changes where possible, we also have to be prepared to adapt quickly where necessary.
What made you pursue this career?
Having spent the best part of 10 years working in front line Property Management, I felt it was time for a new challenge and jumped at the opportunity to move into Health and Safety. I wouldn’t change a thing and feel very fortunate for the new experiences that working in Health and Safety has given me. The challenging nature of navigating the evolving Building Safety legislation keeps me focused and has encouraged me to develop my knowledge on a range of related topics including fire safety.
Who inspires you?
I have the privilege of working with and alongside many strong and incredibly talented women, from our Co-CEO, Catherine Riva, to my line manager, Vanessa Brandham. I feel really proud of the female representation that we have at Rendall & Rittner across all levels. I am also inspired every day by our ability to adapt to all the changes and keep working together to provide the best service for our clients and leaseholders.
What are you most proud of?
Establishing the Building Safety team from scratch is definitely one of the achievements I’m most proud of in my career. I have been trusted to create processes that we are continuing to develop and improve, recruit new team members and roll out highly demanded services to our colleagues, clients, and leaseholders. It is incredible to see how hard every member of the team works towards delivering our shared vision.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have a four-year-old with a great social calendar of events and at weekends you can usually find me at soft play or a farm or a birthday party! When time allows, I love visiting family, socialising with friends and anything music related.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Professionally, I’m enjoying continuing to nurture the Building Safety team this year and am looking forward to celebrating Rendall & Rittner’s 35th anniversary at our staff party in September. In my personal life, my daughter starts school, so that is a big milestone and I’m looking forward to watching her grow and develop.
