Adventures of the Curious: Unpacking Damp, Mould, and Data in Social Housing with Rosie Wills
The persistent issues of ventilation, damp, and mould in housing are complex challenges that touch us all, demanding innovative thinking and practical solutions. But where do these solutions come from? Often, they emerge not just from established experts but from curious, dedicated individuals willing to dive deep, question assumptions, and share their journey openly.
In our latest Air Quality Matters podcast episode, I had the immense pleasure of speaking with Rosie Wills , Technical Support and Repairs Manager at Mid Devon Housing. Rosie embodies this spirit of inquiry.
Over the last few years, she’s become a widely respected voice in the sector, not by following a traditional path, but through what she calls an "accidental" yet highly effective journey into understanding and improving housing conditions for tenants.
Her story is a fascinating blend of data analysis, systems thinking, tenant focus, and remarkable transparency. Ready to hear how a deep dive into inspection wait times sparked a revolution in tackling damp and mould? Listen to the full episode here:
The Spark: From Simple Problems to Systemic Change
Rosie didn't start her career aiming to become a damp and mould specialist. Her health and social care background gave her a people-first perspective that proved invaluable when she moved into housing. Her journey truly began when she tackled a seemingly straightforward operational problem: reducing tenant wait times for technical inspections.
What happened next is a masterclass in curiosity-driven improvement. By meticulously analysing inspection data, Rosie started uncovering patterns related to damp and mould cases, particularly recurring condensation issues. This initial data dive led to process changes that significantly cut waiting times, but more importantly, it opened Pandora's Box. Rosie realised the problem was far deeper and couldn't let it go.
In the podcast, Rosie details this origin story – how asking simple questions about data led her down a rabbit hole, constantly uncovering new layers and anomalies. It’s a compelling narrative about how focusing on one issue can illuminate systemic challenges.
Data, Systems, and the Human Element
Rosie’s approach is characterised by a powerful combination of data-driven analysis and systems thinking. She discusses how she moved from analysing basic repair data to embracing environmental monitoring, generating vast new datasets on temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels within homes.
But data alone isn't the answer. Rosie passionately advocates understanding the story behind the numbers.
How does she systemise the approach to investigating and resolving issues?
How does environmental data provide insights that snapshot inspections simply can't capture?
Crucially, how does she balance the "black and white" of data with the "grey" of human behaviour, using concepts like nudge theory to communicate effectively and empower tenants?
We touch upon the evolution of her process maps and how technology is enabling a more targeted, evidence-based approach rather than generic advice. It’s a glimpse into a future where interventions are tailored, and their effectiveness is continuously validated. Discover the nuances of her data-led strategy in the full conversation.
Navigating Culture, Transparency, and the Future
One of the most intriguing aspects of Rosie’s work is her commitment to transparency. She openly shares her findings, challenges, and even failures with the wider sector, primarily through platforms like LinkedIn. This has garnered admiration but also carries inherent risks.
In the episode, we explore:
The value of organisational trust and flexibility that allowed Rosie to experiment and prioritise long-term solutions over potentially misleading short-term metrics (like her approach to keeping damp and mould cases open through seasonal changes).
Her candid take: "I'd rather get in trouble for doing the right thing than get a pat on the back for doing the wrong thing."
The delicate balance of maintaining tenant relationships during potentially lengthy resolution processes. How do you communicate incremental progress effectively?
Her perspective on the impending impact of Awaab’s Law, the potential for increased litigation, and the critical need for the sector to focus on sustainable, evidence-based solutions beyond mere compliance.
Listen Now and Join the Conversation
Rosie Wills’ experience offers invaluable lessons for anyone working in the built environment, housing management, or air quality sectors. Her journey demonstrates that expertise can be cultivated through dedication and an open mind, and that meaningful change is possible.
Don't miss this insightful conversation. Listen to the full episode
This podcast was brought to you in partnership with
21 Degrees - Aico - Aereco - Ultra Protect and Inbiot
Do check them out in the links and on the Air Quality Matters Website.
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