Our Charlie, who has the big role of looking after the executive and senior management teams, as well as working closely with the whole staff team, is about to take maternity leave for her second baby.
And before she departs, she wanted to share some insights into her role in executive support, which she has been doing for five and a half years, what it has been like being back at work during lockdown and what it is going to be like being a mum of two children under two!
So, Charlie, what does a typical day look like for you at WHA?
I am a PA to the executive team as the main part of my role, but I also support all colleagues in a number of day-to-day work. I work on performance and communications, and IT issues and IT support for colleagues.
Since returning from my first round of maternity leave in May 2020 I have taken a larger role in the communications and PR for WHA, making sure everyone is able to stay on track with tasks during lockdown and still hold regular meetings to plan in activities and communications with residents and customers.
As the PA I manage diaries, organise meetings, take minutes, and generally support the executive and senior management teams.
What do enjoy the most about the role?
Every day is different – I might attend a rotation of meetings but they are all different. I also never know what colleagues are going to need help with – I really enjoy the variety.
What has been challenging (particularly through lockdown)?
Coming back to work in the middle of Lockdown 1.0! It was so strange, I was really looking forward to coming back to work and being Charlie at work rather than ‘mum’ at home but Covid-19 put a stop to that and we had our daughter Lydia at home all the time, so it was very strange working and looking after a one-year-old. My husband and I had a few ‘discussions’ at the beginning of my return to work but luckily nursery opened quite quickly and we were able to get back into work mode.
What are you looking forward to on maternity leave?
Meeting my new baby! This is our second (and last) child and I am so pleased they are going to be close in age but also, having two under two is a daunting prospect. I am not really sure how this maternity leave is going to look – with Lydia I was very much on the go all the time, baby classes, lunch with friends, and days out shopping. But this time around it all depends on the lockdown rules so I am just focusing on meeting my new little girl… and pate, I miss pate so much!
What will you miss?
The sense of independence I get from working. I know some people really struggle with working and being a parent and I did have the ‘mum guilt’ to begin with but I quickly got over that (when I managed to eat a whole lunch to myself for the first time in months) and I love having the time at work and then the time at home with L. Oh, and my colleagues, they are a good bunch!
You will be missed too Charlie but enjoy your maternity leave and congratulations!
