5 minutes with

What does a typical working day look like, and has this changed since the onset of Covid?

A typical day starts quite early by reviewing online news updates on my phone. I then check in with work through an app that we use across our charity that updates me on incidents, emerging risks and progress on planned initiatives. Since our charity employs approx. 500 local heroes in the education, health and social care and business support sectors, being able to be agile to adjust to the changing guidance has been vital and an important focus to keep both our beneficiaries, volunteers and our staff, as safe as possible.

Since Covid, and more recently with the onset of Omicron, we have a daily challenge to contain risks associated with staff absences and seasonal illnesses. Our team of leaders are excellent and work with their teams to safely contain each area of our work with safe staffing levels.

What is on top of your to-do list?

Social justice is on the top of my mind. We have been developing and consulting on an organisational wide equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, have been involved in the LCR Poverty and Life Chances Standing Action Group and chairing the 800 Group consortium of Liverpool charities.

There are many people, organisations and companies working across Liverpool to help in any way that they can.

What is the best advice you have been given in your career?

‘Know your [financial] numbers’. Charities may have a different governance structure than private companies but the imperative to have a long term sustainable organisation exists for us all.

If you weren’t doing your current job what would be your ideal role?

I love my work, helping people and communities. I think I would have always ended up trying to help in some way. I often say that when it is my time to account for the actions in my life, that I would like to look back on my intentions, and be comfortable in that I contributed positively.

Who is your role model? (Business or personal)

Journalist Marie Colvin who died by bombardment whilst raising awareness of what was happening to the Syrian people. At the time of her death, the war in Syria was not yet in the wider public discourse, particularly in North America. What I admire about her was her courage to challenge injustice.

Why choose the Liverpool City Region to work?

As an immigrant to England, who landed by chance in Liverpool, I have found it such a thriving and energetic city. The restaurants, the culture, the music, the laughter, the opportunity – it’s all here.