I’m not sure I have a typical day at work. I usually arrive at the office at about 8.15am and check the volunteer.je system to clear any new volunteers or organisations. I then respond to emails inbetween meetings and calls. I have an incredibly varied role and much of my time is taken up meeting with the charities we support or delivering specific programmes for the Bosdet Foundation, this could be Swim Safe or promoting volunteering, talking to students or meeting groups of mature people.
How did you get your job?
I originally join the Foundation as the aquatics manager at Les Ormes. Very soon I was given the opportunity to move to deliver the foundations charitable aims and support the organisation applying for funding, and checking that they are meeting the terms of their agreements.
What motivates you in this role?
I get an incredible amount of satisfaction from my role. I get to see first-hand the incredible work being carried out by so many different charities, and the positive impacts it has on the lives of people. I also get to deliver very enjoyable programmes with some really great people. We have delivered the Swim Safe programme and now have a partnership with Jersey Sport reaching about 95% of Year 5 students on the island. That’s the highest percentage of anywhere in Great Britain!
Are there any future skills you will need to learn for your role?
I firmly believe that you will never stop learning and there are always new skills that you can gain. If you open your mind you will learn from everyone you meet and every day brings a new opportunity to grow. I hope that I never actually reach my full potential so that I can have something to aim for.
What are the three most important skills required for your role?
Empathy – Enabling me to look at situations from another perspective and get an idea of the passion that drives many people in the charity sector.
Resilience – part of my job is to deliver disappointing news to the applicants who have not been successful. I have to try to keep a focus on the good that is being done with those that we can support.
Communication – Being able to communicate with people in all walks of life and in different situations.
What advice would you give someone interested in a career in your profession?
As a manager, self- motivation and a genuine interest in people is key. Getting the best out of your staff will only really happen if you can get a connection with them. You also need to develop a consistent leadership style so that people know where they stand.
FUN FACT
As water is constantly recycled it is quite likely that when you drink a glass of water it was once dinosaur wee!
