Shokat says: “Working for Sandwell Council is not just a job, it is a passion”
How does a normal day start?
A check of my emails and diary for the day and any papers I need to further read in advance of meetings if I have not already took them home to read the previous evening. On average I receive around 70 emails a day and wherever possible I try and respond directly. I am not sure there is such a thing as a normal day as I could be responding to a particular issue that has cropped up, a media enquiry, an urgent request for information, etc.
Why did you join Sandwell Council?
I feel that Sandwell both as a place and a council was/is very understated, the assets and resources in the borough are not talked about enough. I can see the huge potential of where Sandwell can be and I see that ambition in the Leader and the Cabinet and our workforce. I feel there is a real opportunity to improve the lives of all our residents, tenants, service users and children and young people. I have seen day day out the excellent work that tales place but we do not do enough to promote the story we have to tell.
What’s been your most memorable moment so far?
I am not sure there is a single moment as there have been so many but every time a member of staff stops me in the corridor to tell me they can see the organisation changing or a resident shares a positive experience those are the moments that I hold onto knowing we are moving in the right direction
What would you be doing if you didn’t work here?
I would be running my own restaurant. I worked as a barman and waiter for many years at a restaurant and I loved the atmosphere and the ability to meet so many people throughout an evening.
What advice would you give someone considering a career with Sandwell Council?
What are you waiting for, get that application in!
Sandwell Council is the place of possibilities, hundreds of career choices, enabling and supportive work colleagues, a range of roles to suit your experience and interests and the ability to make a difference to people’s lives! Working for Sandwell Council is not just a job, it is a passion and a calling and it is about an aspiration to provide excellent public services. Come and join a council that is ambitious, energetic and wants to make a difference to the communities and neighbourhoods of Sandwell – be part of something special and help write a new story for Sandwell!