Secondment role provides new opportunities
When an opportunity for a secondment with Reaching People emerged, Katherine Doherty from the Emerald Centre seized the chance to step outside her comfort zone and develop new skills. Supported by her CEO at the Emerald Centre, Kiran Kala, the move offered Katherine the chance to contribute to a new project, whilst gaining valuable experience.
Although releasing a valued team member was daunting, Kiran was confident that Katherine was in “a safe pair of hands”. Her positive attitude and “can-do” mentality made her an ideal fit for the project. Meanwhile, the Emerald Centre adapted by bringing in sessional workers to meet growing service demands.
Katherine describes the experience as “really positive” and highly recommends secondment opportunities to others, saying that they provide a chance to develop new skills, gain fresh perspectives and build connections across Reaching People’s network.
She embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, maintaining regular contact with Emerald Centre throughout her time away. Kiran emphasised the importance of keeping communication open throughout the process so that Katherine remained connected to the Emerald Centre. “We didn’t want her to feel pushed out - this was always about development,” she said.
Katherine has gained new confidence, skills and ideas during her secondment period with Reaching people that have strengthened the delivery of the Just ASK project and have helped the charity continue its vital work.
The glowing feedback from Katherine’s line managers at Reaching People has confirmed that she’s thrived in her new environment. There were talks while Katherine was away about how she can apply her new skills and ideas when she returns, helping to elevate and develop the services of Emerald Centre further.
Reflecting on the experience, Kiran describes the secondment as a success for everyone involved. She encourages other charities and voluntary sector organisations to consider similar opportunities, highlighting how it benefited both the organisation and its people: “Our team stepped up, Katherine grew, and everyone gains something from the experience - happy days for all.”
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