Gill

Gill
Learning and Development Specialist

Experience

I have enjoyed 18 years working in learning and development both in the public and private sectors.

I started my working life in financial services, a path that led me to specialising in the mortgage industry. It was during my time as a senior mortgage underwriter that I discovered my passion for training and development. I got so much satisfaction from developing trainee underwriters that I decided to change professional direction.

Since working in the learning and development field I have managed the training function at a ‘watchdog’ service, and also another ombudsman service.

What is your role in the organisation? 

I am part of the wider HR team and, while I provide learning and development support to the whole organisation, my focus is on arranging and delivering training solutions for the casework and investigation teams.

As well as often being involved in creating training programmes for new investigators, I deliver new starter induction events, inclusion and diversity training, and introduction to management courses.

I joined the organisation in June 2015 and, given the extent of my learning since I arrived and the welcome I received, life before the Ombudsman is a distant memory!

What advice would you give to someone joining your organisation? 

Believe it or not, it’s very fast-moving! We are always looking for ways to develop the knowledge and skills of our staff, enhance our service to individuals and improve public services.

And, of course, we offer generous holiday entitlement to our employees and flexible working!