Name: Cat Gear
Job title and brief description of role: Facilities Officer
I’m the face of Changeworks for the general public, visitors and lug for callers. I work in the Facilities Team so you’ll often find me fixing stuff around the building (usually singing as I do – sorry not sorry!).
We look after the maintenance of the building, the company fleet and the general day-to-day running of the Orchard Brae House office. For the most part, if you have a problem/query about the office, you can pop over to find the Facilities Angels. Alternatively, you can fire us a Teams message or give us a ring and we’ll be happy to help out.
How long have you worked at Changeworks?
Seven years.
What is the best thing about working at Changeworks?
The culture. At Changeworks you’re not a number on the payroll, you’re a real person and folk are interested to get to know you. While of course there is a managerial/directorate structure at Changeworks, everybody speaks to each other as equals; I’m as likely to chat with our Chief Executive about their weekend or holiday plans as I am anyone else in the building.
Behind closed doors, Changeworks stands by its values and the advice we give out – we’re not encouraging folk to reduce their food waste, giving advice on reducing energy bills or reducing carbon footprint without also doing it in house.
What has been the highlight of your time Changeworks?
It’s hard to pick an individual event, but being a part of the Wellbeing Group has, and continues to be, a highlight for me. I’m passionate about improving the working environment, striving for inclusion for all and bolstering the general wellbeing of my colleagues.
We’ve introduced so many fantastic additions in the last couple of years – free sanitary products, all gender toilet, fertility policy, and Mental Health First Aid training to name a few. We continue to bring forward ideas to the Directorate from across the voice of the entire organisation.
How would you describe your colleagues?
They are a phenomenal bunch. I love that there is such varied life experiences and lifestyles which are brought together under one roof. It’s so inclusive and there’s no judgement about who you are or what your background is. We’re all working towards the same goal.
What makes Changeworks a unique place to work?
Something I find quite unique about Changeworks is communication. We are kept in the loop with the goings on in the organisation from the board and Directorate through email, the monthly business brief or when we all get together at our All Staff Gathering (a great day!).
It’s refreshing to know that everyone is being included in everything that is happening as and when it does rather than be told A is happening on B date with no warning.