I started work here in March this year, as a part-time temporary admin assistant. It was estimated I would be employed by NCC for approximately two months. Seven months later, I finally left Telford Court for the last time.
I have fond memories of the months I spent working first in County Hall, then over in Telford Court as the NSP continued progressing towards a more independent status. I have been out of an office environment for over 20 years, and it was real eye opener to come back and see how everything has changed! When I last worked, before taking time out to raise a family, people sat in front of typewriters - now everyone has a workstation. This was great! I really loved having my own PC and being part of the county council email system. The photocopiers - sorry - document centres at County Hall are impressive machines, far advanced from the basic copier I'd encountered in the past. The so called photocopier at Telford Court was another story and one of the few things I will NOT miss!
On a less positive note, I couldn't help feeling dismayed by how our ability to produce endless data has led to an increasing amount of paper being generated. How many trees have lost their lives in order to supply the 20 members of the Under 20s Action Plan sub committee Steering Group for Rural Affairs with duplicate copies of the 200 page document "Strategic Fundamental Report on the Regional Sub-development Plan B - Objectives and Directives Parts 1 - 56", which no doubt made good bedtime reading (if you were trying to get to sleep). Seriously, the sheer amount of paperwork generated did make me wonder whether it would have seemed quite so essential if the ability to produce it had not been quite so easy.
On my very first day, I remember the new NSP director, John Litherland, came along to our office to introduce himself. He would be joining the team after working out his notice in his current job. I remember thinking what a nice man he seemed and what a pity it was that I wouldn't be around when he joined the Partnership. Little did I know that I would be working under his direction for quite a few months! I have worked for some nice people during my time as a secretary, but nobody quite as pleasant, approachable and genuinly interested in the people who worked for him, as John Litherland. Susan Lockey, you are very lucky!
When I first arrived, Lesley, another Partnership Director was on holiday. My past experience of women bosses has not always been pleasant, but Lesley could not have been more different! So approachable, easy to get along with and no airs about her. An excellent boss!
At first, I wasn't sure whether I liked the move to Telford Court. I enjoy being part of a big organisation, and County Hall was more convenient for the restaurant, had better photocopiers and more people. However, as the team expanded, Telford Court became a lot more enjoyable, particularly as I got to know the various folk who had moved in from regional offices.
I gained a tremendous amount of invaluable experience during my time with NSP. I also gained a lot of confidence - my previous misconception of working in an office nowadays was that everyone was under 30 with a degree. I will be forever grateful to Heather for taking the risk of employing me and giving me the chance to move on with a very useful addition to my CV and a reference.
I was touched and taken by surprise to find that nearly everyone had contributed towards a card and gift on my last day. Although Heather referred to my legacy of an electronic typewriter, she very kindly didn't mention a few of the less memorable moments of my time there. Like hacking into Steph's email and creating a rule which directed her incoming mail to a folder called "Moira". Or switching Heather's computer off at the plug when she was working on some complicated spreadsheets and causing her to lose a lot of unsaved work. Nor did she mention that I'd lost Jon Marsden's county hall pass, (now found) and left owing the restaurant for a lunch I hadn't had enough money to pay for!
So ... at the moment, I'm not sure where I'll be working next. I'll miss Morpeth. Paul and John, you were a delight to work with! Stimulating company and John, good luck with the diet! Helyn and Tracey, it would have been hard to find two more pleasant, easygoing people. Pat, the finance I did for you was probably what I enjoyed most of all, and Heather, what can I say? By taking me on you gave me a useful learning experience, one which will stand me in good stead for the future. You and Steph I will remember as two of the hardest working, most committed employees I have ever met. Steph, your quick brain and amusing comments added spice to the daily life of Telford Court!
Tracey, I enjoyed our brief time working together. Sue, Emma, Wendy, Maureen, Kelly, Jeff and Susan I didn't get to know quite as well, but my overall impression of NSP and working for NCC is the pleasant working environment, and the sensible attitude towards email, internet use, phone calls and working hours. Northumberland County Council is a good employer who has just about got it right, in my opinion. One thing I enjoyed (and which perhaps felt strange at first) was the independence given to each employee to organise their day and their workload. The atmosphere in the office was courteous, considerate and without the bitchiness I have encountered in other places in days gone by.
I would be very happy to return either to NSP or the County Council in general. My dream would be working in Computer Services .... they have the best job of all in my opinion. Imagine! Spending your day fiddling with computers and getting paid for it!
17th October 2002