As an Emergency Planner people often think I just sit in a cupboard and wait to be activated, respond to the incident and then get back in my cupboard until the bat signal goes off again. As I explain to them what I actually do, and how varied the planning is, it sinks in; then starts the barrage of questions and fascination. 2020 was a tough year as not only was I thrust into the Strategic and Tactical response for covid (internally and the LRF), working long hours to safeguard vulnerable people and support the council to keep the city running; I was also studying for my MSc, and I moved house. Oh, and was planning a wedding that may or may not take place in 2021 (it did). I learnt a lot about myself and others during this time and demonstrated high levels of personal resilience. I felt tested!I am an outgoing adventurous person that thrives on a challenge, with a proven track record in partnership working and managing others. Confident and calm in a crisis, colleagues often come to me for clarity and support. Being visually impaired has helped me to have a different perspective on my work and often leads me to think of challenges that others may face.I have been fortunate over the years to serve my city, first in youth work where I spent a wonderful ten years trying to make a difference to young people's lives; initially on the front line and finally as management, influencing strategy. Following youth work I found myself in Emergency Planning where again, I serve my city, but this time to keep people safe and to ensure that during times of crisis we are adequately prepared.People describe me as a "doer" as I can get things done; although happy to explore and discuss alternate options to a solution, I know when the time has come to make a final decision. Often described as the person to go to if you need to reach the right people inside organisations. I am a huge believer in partnership working and building relationships with colleagues in other organisations as you never know when you might work with each other on the front line. I would rather face a challenge with established relationships rather than trying to build them as you are facing a large incident.I like to consider myself as a someone willing to give opportunity. I don't know if this is because of my youth work but I believe that there are many people out there that are looking for a chance, an opportunity. Life may have been challenging and they have not had the same opportunity as others and just need a break and the opportunity to realise their potential.