"Be who you want to be and only do things that make you happy, you don't need to conform to social norms to be happy and successful in life."
What led you to work at PETA?
I started my career as an apprentice and continued my studies through to a BA Hons Degree in Business. I believe in apprenticeships and the opportunities that they can provide to individuals who are unable to attend full-time education. This conviction has led me to working for a training provider and developing the skills in contracts and compliance needed to comply with DfE guidelines.
I came across PETA through a local networking group and their passion for apprenticeships was clear, the internal culture of the staff was very positive so when the opportunity came up to work here, I took it.
What is your role at PETA and what drives you to do what you do?
As manager of contracts & claims I am responsible for ensuring the data integrity and compliance, which is paramount to our funding and the success of our apprenticeship programme.
My team is responsible for auditing, processes and data reporting. We submit the monthly ILR claim, which is sent to the DfE for funding.
What knowledge or experience do you draw upon for your role?
My role requires advanced spreadsheet knowledge for data analysis, high levels of accuracy and have attention to detail.
It is important that I stay up-to-date with the DfE funding rules and the compliance requirements to ensure that we are audit ready and I can advise the delivery teams when they have queries.
How do you approach your role on a day-to-day basis? What skills are required?
"Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one", Hans Selye.
Don't sweat the small stuff, and don't stress about the past. You can't change what has already happened but you can put things in place to make tomorrow better. Don't waste time mulling over the mistakes of the past, instead focus on how you can do things better next time.
What's the most important thing for people to take away from reading this bio?
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do," Steve Jobs.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I am involved in numerous charity projects including fundraising for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Pawprints to Freedom (dog rescue) and I have donated my hair to Little Princess Trust, for children with cancer.
I spend my spare time with my friends, family, crocheting and walking my rescue dog. I am passionate about personal development, so I like to spend time learning whenever the opportunity presents.
What are your personal values, and what is important to you?
Don't spend your life valuing yourself against other people's goals and happiness. Be who you want to be and only do things that make you happy, you don't need to conform to social norms to be happy and successful in life.