The director of One Parent Families Scotland is proud to have seen the services the charity provides evolve
What is the first thing you do when you arrive at work?
Working for a national organisation means that I am often travelling first thing in the morning to meetings in different parts of the country. Travel time is spent answering e-mails, tweeting and catching up on paperwork. When I am in the office first thing, I will say hi to colleagues who are in and then spend the first hour or so replying to emails, preparing for meetings etc whilst enjoying my one coffee of the day.
What makes a good day at work?
Most days have elements that are good for example a productive meeting resulting in something that will improve the situation of the families we work with, a call from one of my colleagues to tell me about how a parent they have worked with has now started to volunteer with us. A really good day recently was when we had a board meeting at one of our local service’s offices and the board were able to spend time with all the staff and see the way services have evolved and changed in response to what families tell us is important to them.
How often do you socialise with colleagues outside the Christmas party?
Not often enough!
Is it better to work for a big charity or a small charity?
I’ve worked for a three person charity and now one that employs over 140 people. I have enjoyed working for both, but if I had to choose I would say I enjoy working more for a bigger charity with a national remit where I feel the scope to influence policy based on our work is greater.
What do you enjoy most about working at OPFS?
The range and nature of what we do; the connections between service delivery and our policy work; the involvement of families in all our work; the commitment and dedication of the staff and volunteers.
What’s your favourite book?
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth. It is a book that caused many a strange glance in my direction. I could not put it down and found myself in cafes or on the train either laughing and crying as I read it.
Would your 16-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?
My 16-year-old self thought she knew it all and there was nothing the world could teach her. My 18-year-old self however wanted to change the world and I hope she would be pleased with the work I am doing.
Which do you prefer and why – Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn?
Twitter definitely for work. Facebook for family and friends. I should use LinkedIn more but have not quite got the hang of it.
What’s your perfect weekend?
A relaxing one at home, with a good book, nice food and time spent with my two teenage children walking the dog.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Expanding the reach and services we offer at OPFS, and seeing the profile of one parent families being raised through policy and campaigning work on the issues that matter to the families we work with. Whilst I may be the public face of these successes, none would be possible without the team at OPFS.
What was your first job?
Publicity and promotions work for local bands and club nights when I was a student in Manchester. It was great at the time and I got to see loads of local bands but it was definitely and age and stage of life job.
Is the third sector a calling or an accident?
I came into the sector by accident in 1989. I have worked in local government and at a training and enterprise council in the past, but definitely prefer and want to remain in the third sector.
Which Brian Cox do you prefer?
The scientist. I really enjoyed sciences at school and love watching science documentaries and programmes.
