It’s Careers Week! Today, we talk to Rachael Parker, our Learning and Development Delivery Partner, who is passionate about supporting new and current colleagues through their career journey at Innovus.
When and how did you join the company?
I joined the company as a Learning and Development Delivery Partner. I’ve been working in this specialist area for over 30 years, within a number of industry sectors including retail, fleet management, waste management and customer services.
What are you responsible for?
I look after the professional development of all levels of colleagues across the business. This could be identifying training needs and then developing and delivering leadership programmes or in the form of one-hour ‘lunch and learn’ sessions, where I provide training on a specific topic. I support managers by providing coaching and assist colleagues by identifying professional qualifications and providers to help progress their career, through apprenticeships or sponsorship.
What are you most passionate about?
All things learning and development, but I have always been passionate about supporting new colleagues. I’m their biggest cheerleader because, apart from their line manager and immediate colleagues, I’m one of the first people that they meet! I manage Elevate, our employee welcome programme, which ensures all new colleagues are fully welcomed into the Innovus family. I also offer ongoing support throughout their probation period to check how they are getting on.
Another area I’m very excited about is promoting is mental health awareness within our company. I am currently training to be a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England Instructor Member so I can then train colleagues across all of our sites to become MHFAiders. We currently have ten trained MHFAiders in our company, who help colleagues to find the right support that they need, and they will also receive refresher training.
What do you feel is unique about Innovus?
There is a real commitment to grow and develop people within our company. If you look at the majority of our leadership team, they have been with us for many years and have worked their way up to these senior levels. Our Managing Director leads this culture. He makes sure that each month, he sets aside time to personally meet all our new colleagues, which shows his absolute commitment.
What has been your proudest achievement?
There are so many: from being a very proud mum to living my best life by the coast and sea-swimming regularly. I am also an accredited Humanist celebrant, creating and delivering memorable weddings, vow renewals and naming ceremonies. Learning and development has also played a significant role in my personal life. All the skills I have gained throughout my professional career have brought me to this very special personal hobby.