Jo says: “Never underestimate the value of your people, they have the power to make a good service incredible!”
How does a normal day start?
I start my day with my children at 6:30 with the usual hustle and bustle of the school routine. I have the flexibility to take my children to school before I set up my workstation either at home or in the borough.
Why did you join Sandwell Council?
I joined Sandwell Council because of the people, they really are amazing! One of the most welcoming organisations I have had the pleasure to work for. The tenacity and determination is inspirational and you see it across all the teams in the council. I saw this first hand through the pandemic where collaboration, innovation and problem solving thrived. The whole organisation pulled together with real grit and determination to make sure our communities were supported. This hasn’t stopped it’s just made us all realise what is possible, we know we can be a brilliant Council and we’re determined to achieve it.
What is your role?
I’m an HR consultant. I am part of a centralised team, I support managers to deliver HR processes with confidence. I am also heavily involved in OD projects driving and co-ordinating positive change and enhancing the quality of services provided through the council.
What do you do in your role?
No one day is the same! My role spans from; Coaching people focused meetings, designing, and delivering workshops and task and finish groups. Collaborating with colleagues across support services to design strategy. Project management, reporting on improvement activity. I am also a culture champion and I’m really passionate about supporting the embedding of our values.
What’s been your most memorable moment so far?
That would be delivering the launch and share of our One team: values and behaviours. The culmination of 18 months work coming together, sharing it with hundreds of managers. Participating in lively debates and watching the enthusiasm and determination grow in every session, I am so proud of all my colleagues for what we have achieved.
What would you be doing if you didn’t work here?
Oh wow, I would absolutely be in public service making a difference to communities. You cannot beat that feeling!
What advice would you give someone considering a career with Sandwell Council?
In HR, never underestimate the value of your people, they have the power to make a good service incredible!