Careers : Community Relations Coordinator

What does/will your job involve?
At the moment I’m preparing plans which, once construction of Crossrail begins, will be used as a guide to advise people who may be affected by the work on what they can expect to happen in their local area as the work progresses and try to help them with any problems or questions they may have.

Once we actually start building the railway, I will be working closely with contractors that actually carry out the work and will act as a link between those building the railway and everyone in the communities that Crossrail will serve or come into contact with whilst it is being built, for examples residents, local authorities, and businesses.

I will also need to work closely all the environmental teams involved to ensure that the Project's Environmental Policies and promises are being carried out by those building Crossrail.

Can you describe a typical day?
We need to make sure that we have a proper Community Relations Strategy in place before construction begins so at present a typical day involves discussing and writing policies and procedures that will be used in the strategy. Sometimes I will be needed at a meeting, to explain to a business or a resident what to expect once construction starts and to try and set their minds at rest if they are worried that their lifestyle may be upset by the work that may be carried out near to their property.

Later, once construction starts, I will probably be speaking to such people on a daily basis, helping to set their mind at rest about any worries they may have. I will also have to have meetings with the contractors regarding any potential problems and may have to assist the Environment Teams in monitoring noise and dust.

I may go down into the tunnels that are being built to monitor progress so that I can advise the people above-ground what is happening under their property. I may assist in writing one of the many Information Sheets Crossrail will be distributing near to construction sites or along the route of the tunnels or near the new stations which are being built underground.

I may deal with problems which have been sent to me by the Crossrail Help Desk, which will be one of the most important tools that will be used by residents etc if they have complaints or need information quickly. I will need to work with the Public Relations and Media Departments of both Crossrail and the contractors regarding any possible incidents or some bad publicity and may also visit schools close to worksites to let them know what is happening close to the school and to talk to the pupils about safety near dangerous worksites.

What’s the best thing about your job?
Meeting people and being able to advise and re-assure them about any worries they may have. Building good relationships with the communities and solving any potential problems in advance through good communication systems, agreements, negotiations and building a sense of trust.

What type of skills do you need for your job?

• Patience and the ability to be a good listener are essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Flexibility as you may often be needed to deal problems at very short notice at any time of the day or night.
• Good negotiation skills
• It is very useful to have previous experience of construction projects
• Lastly, it certainly helps to have a good sense of humour!
  

Construction community relations is different from public relations as it is linked to environmental issues and involves working closely with neighbourhoods directly rather than dealing with the media and protecting a company's corporate image externally and internally. Therefore, a certain amount of interest in the environment would also be an asset.

Useful contacts:
Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
Considerate Constructors Scheme
Local Authorities, Environmental or Major Projects Departments.
Major Construction Companies

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