I worked for over 24 years at The Open University, working my way up through the ranks from Academic Staff Secretary to Manager for the AL Services Team in Birmingham until February 2017. I then joined Aston University where I currently work as an Executive Assistant to PVC for Engagement and Innovation. I believe that staff are an institution's greatest asset and invest in your staff, and you will invest in the future. I have skills in many areas, including collaborative working; distance learning; change management and staff training. I love challenges and don't see problems but opportunities. I am developing every day, learning new skills and extending my knowledge of working for a different institution. I deliver a consistent 'best practice' customer experience. I work effectively within a collaborative team environment. I communicate with internal and external customers over telephone and by email. I self-manage a fluctuating workload. I have strong organisational and planning skills and the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment. I have also taken on the role as Mental Health First Aider. This is a role I take seriously and feel passionately about. I think it is important to try and remove the stigma associated with Mental Health and to be supportive and understanding of mental health issues. The role was particularly relevant during Lockdown as working from home can be very challenging. I produced a weekly Health and Well Being Newsletter for staff in my area (about 100 people), with the distribution list extending to other teams. The aim was to keep their spirits high and maintain the team ethos until we returned to the office. In 2020, I was honoured to reach the finals of the #WestMidlandsPAawards2020.