Published on Sunday 08 March 2026
Two women with extraordinary stories are being celebrated this International Women’s Day - one is a world ranked jiu-jitsu athlete, and the other is a national skills finalist for a plumbing and heating competition who grew up helping her dad with DIY.
Both play an important role in improving social housing run by Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council’s housing service ‘BCP Homes’.
Kerry Isom, a bathroom fitter and multi-trade specialist, and Faith Bolland, a plumbing and gas engineer apprentice and mum of two, are valued members of the BCP Homes team, which was awarded the highest possible grade for its services to council tenants, following an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing in January.
Every day, they help residents stay safe, warm and supported and their personal journeys reveal the passion behind their work.
Kerry’s story
Kerry began her career as a painting and decorating apprentice nearly 19 years ago, winning two national apprenticeship awards before retraining in plumbing. Today, she installs full bathrooms for residents and sees first-hand how vital good housing is to people’s health and wellbeing.
Outside work, she is a black belt in jiu-jitsu and last year placed third in the world at the IBJJF World Masters in Las Vegas.
Together they are part of a team that was praised by the regulator for its work on repairs, quality, housing management, safety and resident engagement across its 10,800 homes.
Kerry said:
“I started boxing during a charity event and fell in love with it. That led me into MMA, then into jiu-jitsu. Coaching and competing help me relax my mind, even when my body’s exhausted. The discipline and problem-solving in jiu-jitsu are exactly the same skills I use in my job - figuring things out, overcoming fears, and helping people get their homes back to the way they should be.”
She has competed across Mexico, America and Europe, and will compete again at the IBJJF World Masters in Las Vegas in 2026. All alongside her coaching and fulltime technical role.
“I go into people’s homes every day and see how important a safe home is to them. Knowing I can make someone’s life easier - that’s why I do this work.”
Faith’s story
Faith grew up helping her dad with DIY, installing shelves, fixing things around the house, and learning to be hands-on alongside her three brothers.
Faith said:
“Ever since I was little, I helped my dad with DIY. I’ve always loved being hands-on. It just felt natural.”
She retrained while raising two young children, completing her gas apprenticeship around school runs, childcare and late-night studying.
Now part of BCP Homes’ gas engineering service, she helps keep boilers, heating and hot water systems safe. Often supporting elderly or vulnerable residents who appreciate a friendly, reassuring face.
Faith recently finished runner-up in the HIP Female Skills southern regional final, where competitors from across the region showcased their skill and dedication in the plumbing and heating industry. Faith will compete in the national finals this April.
“It’s so important that residents feel safe. When I finish a job, I want to know I’ve done everything I possibly can to make their home safe and comfortable. I love this work, you learn something new every day.”
She hopes sharing her story will inspire more women to join trade careers.
“My advice is simple: give it a go. You never know what you’re capable of until you try.”
Kerry and Faith’s contribution helped BCP Homes achieve a C1 rating, placing the service among the highest-performing social landlords in the country. Their skill, empathy and commitment to residents reflect the values behind the award.
Kelly Deane, Director of Housing and Public Protection, said:
“Kerry and Faith bring exceptional skill, care and determination to their roles. They are strong role models for women entering technical careers, and their work makes a real difference to residents every day. They are part of an incredible team that helped us achieve our C1 rating, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements this International Women’s Day.”
Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said:
“Faith and Kerry are fantastic examples of professionalism, pride and determination across BCP Homes. Their achievements in their work and beyond it are inspiring. We are incredibly proud of them, and of the wider team who helped deliver our C1 rating.”