In our communities with Sharon

Meet ASB Officer Sharon - and find out more about the work of our antisocial behaviour team

At Hyde, making sure our neighbourhoods and the people that live in them are safe is our priority. That’s why we work with the police, local authorities and other community partners in tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB). 

To celebrate ASB Awareness Week (30 June to 7 July), we caught up with Sharon Nutsugah, one of our ASB Officers in South London, to find out more about the work our incredible ASB team does.  

Q: Hi Sharon – can you give us an overview of your role? 

A: My role is crucial in addressing and resolving community issues related to anti-social behaviour. I investigate reports of ASB, from both our customers and members of the public by gathering evidence and then interviewing complainants, alleged perpetrators and witnesses. I then write reports and document case progress.  

I manage cases, ensuring timely and effective resolution. This can involve attending multi-agency meetings, working with community partners - including the police - to share intelligence and coordinate responses. I support and provide guidance to victims of ASB and take enforcement action, such as issuing warnings or court proceedings, when necessary.  

The job can be challenging at times - dealing with complex cases involving multi-agencies and stakeholders. Managing the emotional demands when working with victims and witnesses can be tough. 

But it’s also rewarding. Being able to make a difference, seeing the positive impact of our work on communities and individuals. I enjoy the variety and unpredictability of the role - working with a range of agencies and professionals to achieve common goals. 

Q: Why is tackling ASB important to you? 

Tackling ASB in our communities helps to improve the overall quality of life for our customers. They can enjoy their homes and are proud of the neighbourhood they live in.  

It helps those targeted or affected by ASB, especially vulnerable people. It creates stronger, more positive relationships with neighbours and builds trust and confidence between communities and housing associations and the authorities.  

Q: How would you explain antisocial behaviour to someone who’s not familiar with the term? 

Antisocial behaviour refers to actions or activities that cause harm, distress or continued nuisance to others, often in communities or public settings.  

Q: What would you say to someone who’s experiencing ASB but unsure about reporting it?

It’s important to consider what is and isn’t ASB. We encourage everyone to visit our website to find out more about ASB and the steps you can take yourself before reporting it. 

If you do report ASB to us, we can provide support or take action if needed. 

Phone the police on 101 or 999 if any emergency requires immediate attention. 

Q: Can you share a time when you made a real difference to a customer or neighbourhood experiencing ASB? 

I’ve been working with the police, community partners and my internal colleagues to tackle on-going anti-social behaviour issues at one of our blocks in Stockwell.  

Residents were understandably fed up and worried – people who didn’t live at the block were getting into the building – scaling the walls, climbing through windows and using the block as a space for illegal activity, including drug use and dealing.  

To respond, we started working more closely with the local Safer Neighbourhoods Police team. We carried regularly joint walkabouts, increased or presence on the estate and made sure that residents could see that we’re taking action. That increased visibility has already helped to reduce a lot of the unwanted activity.  

But we knew we needed a more permanent solution. So, I worked with Hyde colleagues around the business, including Neighbourhoods, Home Ownership and Property Maintenance teams to request new gates for each landing of the block. Each gate will be fitted with its own lock, which only residents living on the floor will have access to.  

It's taken time a partnership, but we’re starting to see real change – and that’s what makes this job rewarding. The block is already feeling calmer, and the new security measures will go a long way in helping residents feel safer in their homes.