Staff - Sarah Smithson What do you do? Hello, I’m Sarah, the Operations Manager. In plain English that means I’m responsible for everything that goes on in the Centre from a running point of view. Staff issues, premises issues, even checking supplies of loo roll! The list is endless.

However I don’t get involved with the Conductive Education the children receive. I’m not an expert in that field and we employ fabulous Conductors whose role it is to do just that.

What is it like working for Stick ‘n’ Step?

At Stick ‘n’ Step every day is different.  It’s certainly challenging and on occasions very emotional. Difficult decisions have to be made for the benefit of the Centre and not everyone likes them. However, the rewards are there for all to see, a huge smile from a child, or even a big cuddle. That’s why I’m here. I don’t know where else I would get that from on a daily basis.

What did you do before, when did you join Stick ‘n’ Step and why?

I actually only joined Stick ‘n’ Step in January 2006. It feels like I’ve been here forever.  I was approached by one of the Trustees who has been a good friend for the last 10 years and asked if I was interested in helping out. I had just come back from 3 weeks in Australia and I was feeling pretty chilled, so I said “yes”. Prior to that I had been working for my husband, he runs a Public Relations business and I helped him out for 2 years.

I am also a local Borough Councillor on Knowsley Council and a Town Councillor in Halewood where I live. I have done both for the last 4 years. I find it extremely rewarding being able to help people with all manner of problems, from streetlights that are out, to moving bus stops, the list is endless.
I am also a school governor in my local primary school and Chair of the Curriculum Committee. That gives me a great insight into the world of education.
And finally, just in case I had a spare moment, I’m on the Board at my local Day Care Centre for elderly people. A completely different perspective to consider, it keeps me abreast of the other end of the scale and gives me an opportunity to influence what we provide for the elderly in Halewood.

What Qualifications/experience do you have that is relevant to your role?

I left school with 10 ‘O’ levels as they were called then and an A/O level in English language.  Then went into the world of Insurance as a Compliance Officer (auditor) and had to take more exams. When I eventually left I had taken my Financial Planning Certificates level 1, 2 & 3 and my General Insurance Certificate. I felt I was “examed out” and decided not to do any more!  However, one of the things I have found being a Borough Councillor is that I am expected to attend regular training sessions on a multitude of subjects. At least once or twice a month I have an evening training session to attend, so I am continually being trained.

As a member of the Knowsley Chamber of Commerce I am invited to attend their regular training sessions.  A number in the last year have been topics relating to Employment Law and I have found that each of these has been invaluable to the work I have done at Stick ‘n’ Step since I joined

What do you find rewarding?

Every day there are so many rewards.  Knowing that you have played a small part in helping our fabulous children become just a little bit more independent is enough reward. The smile from the children when they have done something different is enough reward. The parent’s proud faces when their child walks towards them for the first time is again enough reward.

The fact that it is a free service to the children makes you want to work that bit harder to help a few more.

Working with a great team is extremely rewarding, each team member playing their part makes Stick ‘n’ Step a great place to work.

Experience and Interests

Outside work I spend most of my time in my role as Borough Councillor at Knowsley. I hold regular surgeries around my Ward to enable my constituents to come and have a chat.

In my role as school governor I try to pop in to the local primary school as often as possible.  It gives me a chance to see the staff and pupils and get to know what’s going on and ensure the school is running well.

Family time is very important so my husband Dave and I try to get away from everything as often as work allows. We try to plan a great holiday at least once a year where we can escape. We both love travelling and have been fortunate enough over the years to have visited some fantastic places.

What values do you feel are important for working with Stick ‘n’ Step

Loyalty to Stick ‘n’ Step has to be the number one value; along with doing the very best I can do for the Charity.

Teamwork is very important to me in my role. I want everyone to be happy at work, look forward to coming in and doing their very best for the children. I try to ensure every single member of staff is happy and giving at least 100%, I know I do.

I want everyone who comes into the Centre to feel valued and be as proud of the Centre as I am.