Ms Leanore Ferrans

Computer Technician

So many places lip service to flexibility but when you look for it to be put in place it doesn’t happen, but my experience of this department is completely different.

I joined the department as a working mum with a child in primary school, working 3 days a week. This allowed us a family to have someone to collect our son from school every day.  Having a child of this age means someone having to take a day off to look after him when he is not well.  The department allowed me to work different days during the week to accommodate this. E.g. I could work a Friday instead of a Tuesday. This flexibility allowed me to be there for my son without the worry of losing a day’s pay, and it also meant I could attend events working parents often miss, e.g. carol concerts etc.

When we suffered a tragic loss and I found myself suddenly on my own with my son, the department offered me even more flexibility with my hours.  I was offered the option to spread my part-time hours over the 5 days so I could be there for my son at the beginning and end of the school day. I think these highlights how hard the department work to recognise their staff as individuals.

I am truly grateful to work in an environment where I feel I am recognised as a fully functional member of the department despite being a part-time working parent.