What's it like working for us?
The best way to understand what it's really like to work for the Equality and Human Rights Commission is to ask the people who already do. To save you the trouble, we interviewed three of our employees for you.
Debbie Wood, Director of the Commissioners' Office, London
Debbie describes herself as the interface between the Commissioners, the SMT and the other parts of the Commission. Her job is to make sure Commissioners are kept updated about the latest EHRC developments and that their work for the Commission runs smoothly.
She comes to us from the Local Government Association where she was Corporate Programme Director responsible for the Chair and Chief Executive's Office, and change and project management programmes.
Recently, Debbie has spent time on secondment to the Royal Society of Arts working on a fellowship engagement strategy with Chief Executive, Matthew Taylor. Debbie lives in Winchester and has a three year old daughter.
What are you enjoying most about working for the new Commission?
Learning more about the equality and human rights agenda and working with a new, high profile organisation to deliver its aims and objectives.
What's the most challenging aspect of your role?
Understanding how the place ticks, who's who and how I go about getting things done. I don't suppose I am alone in that…! But if we work together to solve the problems we all encounter - I am sure we will get there in the end.
Share a hint or tip that you've found helps you work more effectively.
Go and speak to people in person – or pick up the phone and chat rather than using email. Once you have established a relationship I always find it easier next time I need to do a bit of arm twisting!
What was your favourite book as a child, and do you read it to your daughter?
As a young child I just loved all the Enid Blyton Famous Five, Secret Seven and school stories. I can't wait to have the excuse to read them again to Olivia. However, she is mainly into all things Disney – Cinderella is her favourite story at the moment.
Who is your greatest admirer?
Well that would be telling! If the question was who do I admire most, it would have to be anyone who has persevered and challenged themselves to achieve their goals. Ellen MacArthur is one.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Always treat people as you would like to be treated yourself. I hope I live up to that value at work and home.
What would you say is mankind's greatest achievement?
Inventing the Blackberry. I can't live without mine. Sad I know!
What luxury would you take to a desert island?
Apart from my Blackberry… a vast supply of Molten Brown products (which is a hint to anyone thinking of ever buying me Christmas/birthday gifts!) or a radio so I could catch up to the omnibus edition of the Archers on Sundays.
If you weren't at work today, what would you be doing instead?
I would be trying to organise my home life… working full-time, commuting and having a three year old means I get very little time to do any of the routine, boring jobs which unfortunately always need doing.
Thank you Debbie!
Qaiser Razzak, Regional Manager English Regions, Bristol
Before working for the EHRC, Qaiser worked in the legal sector, for those who are intrigued his specialism is in Intellectual Property.
What are you enjoying most about working for the new Commission?
The people, the passion and the environment that it creates.
What's the most challenging aspect of your role?
Travel. The South West region is geographically the largest English region and the most rural, so on some days you can end up making a six to seven hour round trip journey.
Share a hint or tip that you've found helps you work more effectively.
Jaffa Cakes.
What interesting projects are you working on in Bristol?
There are quite a few projects - but the most interesting aspect of our work has to be the stakeholder engagement, it's both an important and exciting part of the job.
How often do you get to meet others in the Commission?
Usually when I am in London which is becoming fairly regular, although I've been up to Manchester a few times too.
What's your most unappealing habit?
I could happily become nocturnal.
What or whom can't you live without?
Family and friends.
When were you happiest?
Five minutes ago when I polished off the last of the Jaffa Cakes.
What's on your iPod?
Anything that I can nod my head to and right now I’m listening to Coldplay.
Thank you Qaiser!