When I first started work in Leicestershire County Council’s highways team five years ago, I wondered whether my gender or sexuality would hold me back. I could not have been more wrong. Even though the team is male dominated, a workplace culture of acceptance, equality and respect has allowed me to find my home.
After switching from an office-based role to my current position as a facilities engineer across our county’s highway depots, I love being out and about, interacting with our maintenance teams and reacting to live issues across the network. Being chained to a desk is not my style!
I am responsible for managing the health, safety and wellbeing of maintenance staff who are based at our depots. From repairing roads and gritting surfaces to cutting grass and trees, ensuring that sufficient water, food, rest and toilets are available for all is key to doing our jobs in a safe and efficient way.
I’ve been able to develop great relationships with team members whilst working out at depots. It enables me to learn about any issues first hand and, best of all, to see the wellbeing measures I put in place making life better for staff in real time. Working closely together, we see reported highways issues through from start to finish and support one another to get the job done.
As Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Network here at the council and a member of the departmental equalities group for Environment & Transport, I’m constantly reminded of just how important inclusivity is for myself, my team and our workplace as a whole. These roles make me a better employee and I feel fully supported by my managers to carry them out.
I would encourage anyone to apply for a role within Leicestershire County Council’s highways team – trust me, no two days will be the same!
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