There isn't a typical day at the office here; every day I meet
fresh challenges and new faces.
As conference, inductions and awards manager, I oversee the
running of the small but busy awards department. There are
three of us in the department; we plan events that celebrate the
recognition and achievements of staff, as well as organise
induction programmes that support new employees and coordinate
management conferences which are held throughout the year.
I start at 8am each morning and run through my emails. The
department is split into three main parts so the enquiries I
receive can vary considerably—anything from orders for new name
badges to requests for group visits. It’s not just basic admin
work either; I have a small team to manage and budgets to
maintain.
Today I am working on the planning of the Long Service and
Retirement Ceremony, which recognises long service among staff and
awards retirees. There’s a lot involved in arranging events
like this. We first have to establish who is eligible for
recognition then arrange for medals to be made and
programmes to be printed.
A line-up of speakers and presenters must be confirmed as well
as a venue, catering and live music. Guest lists are drawn up
and invitations are sent out. Then there is a flurry of
activity as the replies come back and seating plans are put into
place.
With events it can be stressful having to get everything
arranged on time, we can work for weeks on one event that will only
last an hour and there's always the worry that it won't come
together. Sometimes I am handed presentations five minutes
before they are due to be presented, but it is this uncertainty
that makes it all the more worthwhile. I have to be constantly
alert and aware and be ready to pre-empt things that could go
wrong. In the end it's a great feeling seeing our collective
hard work connect on the night.
Commendation events like this are an important part of our
organisation. It is essential to show our appreciation to
staff and acknowledge their work and commitment. Things like
this help to keep spirits high.
Next week I will be facilitating an induction. This is a
two-day event for all new staff to gain a deeper understanding of
the Service; its aims, values and visions for the future. For
many people this is their very first day with us and is the first
real impression that they get. The same applies to group
visits; last week I was dealing with an enquiry from Japan, a group
of medical researchers were visiting Britain and they were
interested in coming in to see how things work here. Often we are
the only representation they will have of the London Ambulance
Service so it is paramount that the department is professional and
welcoming, and that the visitors leave with a positive impression
of the organisation.
After school I wasn't sure what I wanted to do so I enrolled on
to a secretarial course which helped me to secure a job at the
London Ambulance Service as a typist. From there I worked my way up
and through the departments—that is one of the great things about
working for the Service, there is scope and opportunity for career
progression.
Diplomacy, understanding and an outgoing nature are all vital to
this role; you have to be capable of dealing with different
people, be prepared to answer enquiries and not scared to speak to
people on the phone. As well as this you need good organisational
skills and the ability to work on your own initiative, plus a
friendly smile.
There's no substitute for the friends and colleagues you meet
here, there's always someone to turn to and someone will always
find time for you if you need a little help.
Claire Clarkson is based at headquarters in Waterloo.
If you are interested in a support role, check our
current vacancies page to see if we are
recruiting.