PA - Associate Director of Diversity and Inclusion Review

I provide business support and PA support to the Diversity and Inclusion Team and the Associate Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Extensive diary management for the team, liaising with internal an external stakeholders on varying projects. Collating data from Network groups on accountability. Keeping the roster up to date with sickness and annual leave. Setting up, attending meetings, preparing agendas, trackers, minutes and following up actions. Organising team away days from catering, venues and raising purchase orders. Arranging IT equipment for the team.

I have now achieved a Business Administration Level 4 Qualification. I have attended internal e-rostering courses, Purchase Order course. Blogging course, as I didnt know anything about blogging!! The apprenticeship gave me the confidence to take on more complex tasks and to liaise with higher level management. Lessons learnt in my role as a D&I support officer via shared stories from network groups not everyone is treated the same.

I thoroughly enjoined the challenges the course gave me , although sometimes I wanted to give up. I had constant support and encouragement from my tutor and my line managers. The course far exceeded my expectations in ways for example I would research a topic which then took me onto other topics, which I found interesting and continued to explore.

The Apprenticeship was well structured even before the course started, with detailed information on what the course entailed. The first day of Induction, was thoughtfully planned out, with training and support on offer. How we should manage the studying by taking 20% off the job training. Tutor planned our support meetings in advance and training sessions.

I was fully supported by my managers, HR team and mentors with encouragement, links to external materials. 121 guidance and much encouragement in supporting my personal development in achieving the Level 4 qualification. My line manager and Associate Director was able to mentor me in preparing for presentations, and was always available to offer support and encouragement.

My tutor was extremely helpful in setting up regular one to one meetings and it was never too much trouble for her if I needed guidance with any problems whilst completing the units. Her attitude towards supporting me was encouraging and I could not have completed the course without her behind me.

The apprenticeship has helped me to understand the complexity of a large organisation from internal and external stakeholders, the hierarchy from top down to bottom up, middle management, in an organisation. When in meetings I can now fully appreciate why we have policies and procedures to follow to ensure that we are compliant.

We have individual team building away days and Corporate away days. Social events are organised for example "A walk around the Park" to raise money for charities. Solent has regular weekly Zoom exercises classes for all to join. We no not have leisure or sports club facilities. When I am not working I ride my bike and walk with the family and dog :)

Yes

I have recommend a friend to join Solent as an administration and the feed back I have received is that Solent has fully supported her, from induction, she feels that she belongs and has all the support that she requires to carry out her job to the best of her ability and she would also recommend Solent as an inclusive, supporting employer.

the application process can be sometimes a bit arduous, but persevere. The interviews depending on the position is formal. The processes of IT equipment is very time consuming. Induction day is very informative. However, there are many opportunities within the trust for your own personal development if you wish to explore different career paths. Flexible working conditions and good support if you require additional help with specialised equipment to enable you to carry out your job more efficiently.