Finding my calling
I've always known that I wanted a job where I could help people. This increased while studying for my degrees in social science and criminal justice, and volunteering in primary schools in deprived areas of Cardiff. I did my dissertation on challenges facing the prison system.
I got an opportunity to intern as a research assistant at the House of Lords; drafting speeches on criminal justice reform by day and rushing off to my job as a waitress at night. It was worth it as Lord Dholakia took me under his wing. One of my favourite things to do was read letters that had been written to him from ex-prisoners; thanking him for the life-changing impact that reforms to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act had on their lives.
Using real life to influence
I went on to hold research, participation, policy and communications roles across four national charities that do amazing work to help people turn their lives around and influence policy. Helping large organisations - like Nacro, Barnardo's and Catch22 - listen and respond to the voices of children and young people has been a common thread in my career.
At Catch22 I work hard to ensure that care leavers' voices drive real change, whether that relates to their individual lives, the design of services or broader systems change.
Nearly three years ago, I became a trustee of the Ben Kinsella Trust - a preventative anti-knife crime charity. This fantastic charity is a stark example of using a tragic real-life story to make lasting changes to young people's lives. Being a trustee involves a lot of work and commitment but has taught me so much - about finances, HR, strategy and more.
Making a difference
I've been surrounded by good managers and amazing peers who believe, motivate and encourage me to grow and develop. The thing that really motivates me though, is the young people that I've worked alongside - many of whom have had traumatic young lives, been in conflict with the law or spent time in the care system. Whether running a focus group as manager of the Beyond Youth Custody programme, helping cook dinner at a wellbeing drop-in centre where I volunteer, or planning our care leavers' week celebrations with Champions from Catch22's Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum - it's an absolute privilege to work alongside these young people.
I once asked Lord Dholakia when he was going to retire. He said: "Sarah, you cannot retire from a belief." I think about that a lot. As long as he's in a position to make a difference to people's lives, he'll keep doing it. This is my career-spiration.
Charity pinball
Another feature of my career in the charity sector - which I'm sure will ring true for many reading this - has been bouncing around between fixed-term contracts, dictated by short-term pots of funding.
Six years in the charity pinball machine, and I'm starting to feel the cumulative effect on my job satisfaction. I'm often not in an organisation for long enough to see the impact of my work or how it's made a difference to young people.
While the sector doesn't always allow for a stable job, there have been many positives of moving around. I've benefitted from working at four national charities that make a real difference and soaking up the learning.
TOP THREE CAREER TIPS
- Give as much positive feedback and affirmation you can. From colleagues, beneficiaries, to the person who drives your bus to work. You never know the difference this might make on someone.
- Many in the sector have had experiences that drive us to do what we do. Having empathy, respecting difference and being mindful in terms of language and practice will make a positive working environment.
- Do something you love in your spare time or become a trustee. These experiences outside of work can really enrich your life, teach you skills and open up opportunities.
