Employee Spotlight: Helen Edwards

‘I’ve found working for the council to be incredibly supportive, positive and rewarding. Don’t worry if you don’t have direct experience of local government — I had none. My transferrable skills gained in industry and in running my own business were recognised and I’ve been given all the training I’ve needed in order to do my job here.’

Tell us a bit about your career journey — both leading up to and during your time at the council.

I did a degree in Manufacturing Engineering, spent 15 years in automotive manufacturing industry, then stopped once I had children. The opportunities for part-time working in that field were non-existent, so I started home-based childminding alongside my youngest. Once both children were at school, I moved childminding club to a local hall. Fast forward to my children now being at secondary school and not needing childcare after school themselves, I did a bit of a life stock take and decided I wanted to work:

• Where I could feel I was making a difference to people
• Where I would have different experiences every day
• Where I would be making the world a bit better every day
• Where I wouldn’t have to commute too far (better for my pocket and for the environment)
• And where the pay and conditions were good, (let’s face it, however rewarding the job, we work to have a better life for our families)

With these in mind, when I checked out the local council jobs (which was really easy, I just Googled “Bucks jobs”) the position of Domestic Resource Efficiency Officer jumped out at me. Working in the climate change team has been just what I hoped and has met every item on my “wants” list. Helping at first with setting up the Energy Doctor scheme and then carrying out visits to people to help them save money on their utility bills, whilst helping the council meet its target to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Knowing I’m helping people save money and cutting carbon emissions at the same time. Win-win!

What’s the best thing about your team?

I love the general way people treat each other here — I’ve found there’s a level of mutual respect here that certainly didn’t exist in automotive manufacturing. It’s a breath of fresh air to be employed somewhere you feel that other people are happy to collaborate and work together. A complete contrast to industry, which was a challenging and often stressful working environment. The pressures associated with wanting to do our best for our customers in the shortest time with the least resource are the same, but the way people meet them here is so much more positive and healthier!

Are you involved in any Staff Networks? Tell us what you like about them.

I suppose it’s natural that I joined the Climate Change network, given my job! I’ve been happy to share things I’ve learned as part of my job, with other Buckinghamshire Council staff who are interested in mitigating their own impact on our environment.

I did feel a bit cheeky asking to join the Early Careers network when I was over 20 years into my own working life, but I was welcomed with open arms, and it’s been so valuable as a newbie to the way things are done in Local Government (it doesn’t all happen in the same way as it does in industry!); I’ve been helped loads by attending their events both online and face to face. The most inspirational bit so far has been hearing Rachael Shimmin talk to us about her own career path and some of the challenges she’s faced on the way.

Tell us a little bit about how you are part of something bigger.

I’ve now personally completed over one hundred visits to residents, giving them advice on their utility bills, checking whether they might be eligible for a grant for bigger measures such as a new boiler or loft insulation, encouraging them to make savings by their own behaviour like switching electrics off, washing at lower temperatures, managing their heating and hot water settings more efficiently, and installing low-cost easy-retrofit resource efficiency measures — things like low energy lightbulbs, draught-proofing and radiator reflectors. The LCERREs save our residents money and reduce carbon emissions. But the amazing thing is how people respond to discussions about energy saving — so many times I’ve found them thinking about more than I’ve prompted directly. For example, one resident said she had a chimney blocking plate she’d been meaning to fit onto her fireplace, and the Energy Doctor visit prodded her into action to do it.

What would you say to someone considering a career at Buckinghamshire Council?

I can’t speak for you, obviously, but I’ve found working here so far to be incredibly supportive, positive and rewarding. Don’t worry overly if you don’t have direct experience of local government — I had none. My transferrable skills gained in industry and in running my own business were recognised and I’ve been given all the training I’ve needed in order to do my job here. And if, as I did once, you think all working environments are poisonous and have to be endured rather than enjoyed, I can promise you that there is something better out there — and this is one place you certainly won’t feel that.

Looking for a new role where you can make a difference? Check our current council vacancies here: https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/