Welcome back to another week of our Schools Plus Interview series – Who do you think we are?
In this weekly series, members of the Schools Plus team will be asked a series of questions about them and their job here at Schools Plus. We thought this would be a great way to find out more about our staff. There is a huge array of jobs and people within the company and every interview will be vastly different. You will get an insight into their day to day life, their time before working here and a bit more about the team.
Who are you?
Donna Courtney.
What is your role at Schools Plus?
Renewals operative in the contact centre.
As Schools Plus is all over the country where are you based?
Bournemouth.
How long have you worked for Schools Plus?
Since April 2018.
What did you do before you worked at Schools Plus?
I travelled the world in my 20s for 6 years working on cruise ships. Worked in banking and finance when I finally put down roots, then I worked for Sainsburys for 9yrs after I had my first son. My last job before Schools Plus was a self employed housekeeper.
What is your favourite part about working for Schools Plus?
No 2 days are ever the same, and being part time, my days fly by. The role offers me the flexibility to work around my main job….as a mum! We have a laugh in the office, but with it being quite fast paced we’re all pretty good at zoning out and knuckling down.
Can you describe a typical working day for you?
I’m normally in the office for just after 8.30am. A quick scan of any emails that have come in overnight, then its a case of getting on with the renewals process. Some are quick to get done, others take a bit of toing and froing with the compliance issues. I leave (normally!) at 1pm… but when I need to I’ll stay on for an hour or so. As long as I get home for the school run, I don’t mind.
What do you think the future holds for Schools Plus?
Even in the short time I’ve been here, things have changed and grown. Our office is constantly changing and adding people. With the contact centre still being relatively new, we are learning everyday, but with new structures and practices in place, I think the company will continue to grow and develop.
hat do you like to do in your spare time?
With 2 boys (7 & 11) My life revolves around them, as a family we like to go camping in the summer months at weekends, and as National Trust members we get out in the fresh air regularly. For myself, I like to run. I’m no Mo Farah, but I use it as a means to escape family and work life, switch off and let my brain unravel the day. I love taking part in mud runs with friends, recently my boys took park in a junior mud run… they loved it!
You are a crayon in the box what colour would you be and why?
Green, no other reason that I like green. (God I’m boring!)
Finally, what is your favourite song and why?
I have such a eclectic taste in music, and my Spotify playlists confirm this. I can’t pick just one so here are 3 of my favourites;
- Marillion – Kayleigh.
Just have fond memories of the 80s, and this being one of my absolute faves.
- Stevie Wonder – As .
I was dragged up with Stevie being played by my parents constantly, whether it was on vinyl in the home or on the 8 track in the car. I’ve seen this legend live twice and both times I was in total awe.
- Paul Weller – You do something to me
This song can make me smile one minute, and cry the next.