Could you tell us a little bit more about your role?
I provide listening, advice and information to students facing a range of difficulties – personal issues, health problems, disability support needs, financial difficulties, anything that’s affecting their welfare and ability to study. I’m not a counsellor, but my colleagues and I offer a non-judgemental space to get things off your chest, and we can help identify which services or steps might be helpful to the student. I’ve also been able to promote student welfare in lots of other ways across the school, through talks to the student body, developing policy and processes with managers and curriculum staff, working as part of the Student Affairs Committee, and lots more.
What is your favourite thing about working at BSMS?
As soon as I arrived, I was bowled over by the encouragement to contribute ideas and shape School life. That’s not a given in any job, but at BSMS I’d say, “Why don’t we do it like this?” and people would respond, “Yes, why not? Try it!” Not only has this allowed me to feel I’m really making a difference, it’s stretched me and let me develop lots of other skills: over the years I’ve written copy for the prospectus, website and social media; planned and implemented new projects such as dyslexia screening at induction; written papers on student funding for University boards; created sessions on professional skills and storytelling techniques; and run working groups on practical issues affecting the whole student body – to name but a few of the many things I’ve been really proud of. I feel like I’ve always been accepted and valued as someone with a variety of skills to offer.