Meet Sarah Waddington, Project Delivery Leader and Outback Manager.
How long have you worked at Halifax Opportunities Trust?
Just over 5 years
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
I don’t really have a typical day but I am usually based at Jubilee Children’s Centre. I try to get out into the Outback as much as possible to catch up with Caroline about what’s going on in the garden. I am often researching funding opportunities and applying for pots for funding for both the Outback and Children’s Centres. Because I lead on evaluation and consultation I always have lots of information to gather and reports to write, and I am involved in several working groups for the Children’s Centres including marketing and volunteering.
Has your role changed since you joined us? (Let us know about any training and courses you may have done or if you’ve moved between roles.)
My role has changed a lot since I started. I originally led on the Payment by Results trial for the Children’s Centres. After the trial ended I took on the day-to-day management of the Outback community garden – a complete contrast to my original role! My job is always evolving and that’s what keeps it interesting. I have had the opportunity to be involved in lots of different areas of the business, including the commissioning process for the Children’s Centres, as well as Children’s Centre marketing and publicity. As most of my work is project type work, last year I completed a Project Fundamentals course which has helped me in my-day-to-day role. I have also recently completed the ILM Level 5 award in Leadership and Management.
What are your interests outside of work?
I have 2 children and I love spending time with them. We enjoy being outdoors, and are often on long walks in the countryside. I like eating out and weekends away in North Yorkshire which is where my family lives.
What’s the best thing about working for the Trust?
My colleagues and the fact that I can fit my work around family life. Also it’s great to look out onto the Outback garden and be involved in such a fantastic project.