Matt Symonds

I joined Hampshire County Council (HCC) Property Services as an Apprentice Building Surveyor whilst completing an HNC in Construction, passing with Double Distinction. Since then I have achieved a Diploma in Surveying Practice, and Associate Membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and progressed to my role of Senior Building Surveyor.

I am responsible for delivering construction projects within an agreed budget and timescale for the refurbishment, repair, alteration and extension of schools. Work such as entrance lobby and reception alterations, creation of hygiene rooms and access ramps and internal alterations/space remodelling. I enjoy delivering projects from inception to completion as my role changes from a designer to a contract administrator, requiring different skills.

As part of the ongoing capital repairs programme I have also been responsible for managing the delivery of a £1.2m toilet refurbishment programme across many schools, working with Graduate Building Surveyors to develop their project management skills by sharing my knowledge and experience. This, combined with seeing the schools excited with the completed works, is something I find very rewarding.

I am also the management surveyor for several secondary schools, ensuring the successful delivery of a Service Level Agreement with a strong focus on customer service and engagement. This means I am responsible for giving advice on maintenance priorities and mitigation of health and safety risks, and other building related matters. As part of this I facilitate a formal partnership meeting every twelve months at each school, to discuss issues related to their built estate and grounds. I find this part of my job satisfying as it involves meeting new people and developing working relationships.

I enjoy my role - the variety of work, the fact you are always learning, and the support you receive. For instance, my manager nominated me for the inaugural SPACES Young Visionary Award in 2017 which, I am proud to say, I won!