My name:
Jemma Girdlestone
My job:
Urban Regeneration Assistant
Who I work for:
Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk
A bit about my job:
The Borough Council has an extensive regeneration programme for King’s Lynn. I am responsible for managing some of the projects which contribute to the growth and regeneration of the town, including projects to address traffic issues and car parking and to improve the quality of public spaces.
How I got it / Qualifications needed
I went to St Clement’s High School and gained 9 GCSEs then on to 6th form at Springwood where I achieved 4 A-levels. Then I had a gap year working locally at Williams Refrigeration as a purchasing assistant before going to Leeds University to study Sociology and Management.
For several reasons, I wanted to come back to Norfolk, to work nearer home. I got a one-year contract working as a Development Officer for my old school, St Clement's. It was a brilliant job and quite a challenge for a new graduate: my role was to get business support, engage with the community and make the applications for Specialist School status, and to negotiate with the Primary Care Trust and other organisations to bring the Health Centre and Children’s Centre on site to be an 'extended school'.
I moved on to another short-term contract - only three months this time - in Norwich, on a Government scheme for the resettlement of refugees. Again, I had to negotiate with government departments to sort out the legal contracts, finances and houses before the families arrived.
I had to look out for another job straight away because the contract was so short and was very lucky to see my present job advertised in the Eastern Daily Press. I've been in this post since January 2007.
I love project work: the challenge of bringing the people and resources together to 'make it happen'. All my jobs have been about special projects: using my communication and negotiating skills to work in partnership with colleagues and people from outside the organisation and being able to make a difference.
What I earn:
£25,000 - £30,000
Anything else?
My favourite aspect of the job is being able to play an important role in making King’s Lynn a better place to live, work and visit. It's very rewarding to see the physical results of your work around you. My least favourite aspect is writing reports for meetings.
