After over 13 years working in the advertising industry, moving into the education sector was something I never thought I could do or would want to do because “I’m not a teacher”.  I soon realised that wasn’t the case and honestly, it was the best move I ever made for my own professional development and for my own wellbeing!

The job I applied for in 2011 is no longer the job I do now.  It has changed in so many ways, and each time, I have embraced the changes, not only to my role, but also to Pioneer Educational Trust.  I loved the job I started with, and still love the job I do now.  Why?  There are a wealth of opportunities and experiences put in front of me and I work with and for transparent, genuine and open colleagues.  I work for two very astute CEOs who both have a canny knack for identifying strengths in others.  They stretch and challenge me on a daily basis, sometimes without me even realising it!  I can confidently say without hesitation and with true conviction that working for Pioneer Educational Trust, I am respected, valued and championed and that is down the leadership and intrinsic values of our Trust.

Working for Pioneer Educational Trust isn’t just about the quality of education for the students and children in our schools, but also about the CPD opportunities available to staff.  I’ve almost finished studying for a Level 5 CIPD qualification as a HR Business Partner in which has certainly cleared the cobwebs in my brain!  Without the financial and coaching support from my Trust and my CEOs, I would not have been able to even entertain studying for this qualification.

Outside of work, I am a governor at my daughter’s school, which is a local secondary school.  This has been an interesting experience as it has given me an insight to governance, while at the same being able to share my HR knowledge and experience to help them improve the educational outcomes of their students, while also focussing on their staff wellbeing.

I honestly believe that I work for an organisation that considers the wellbeing of our staff equally as important as the education of the students and children we serve.  I am proud and fortunate to be able to work with like-minded, yet dynamic and diverse colleagues on a daily basis.