Kerri began her career at Radley as a Lifeguard in the Sports Centre when she was 16. Fast forward nine years and she has passed her Health & Safety exams and been working as Health & Safety Manager in the Estates team for the past year. We asked Kerri to tell us about joining the Sports Centre team back in 2016.
A family friend worked at the Sports Centre and told me about the opportunities for lifeguards there. I had always enjoyed swimming so decided to do the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) and then started working at the Centre as a Lifeguard which I loved.
I had a place at university to study Paramedic Science but I struggled to pass my driving test at the time, which was a requirement of the course. I decided to continue trying to pass my test but I was also looking for full-time work, so I moved to Oxford Brookes Sports Centre as a Manager, where I stayed for two years.
What brought you back to Radley?
As soon as I heard that a position as Duty Manager at the Sports Centre was vacant, I knew I had to apply! I was really keen to come back – I enjoyed Oxford Brookes, but having worked somewhere else, I realised how much I loved it at Radley. I did my Trainer Assessor qualification which meant I could teach the NPLQ qualification. After that I progressed to become the Duty Manager Team Leader. In this role, I was involved in reviewing the Health & Safety documentation for the Centre.
Tell us about your move to your new role.
I could see a lot of cross-over between what I had enjoyed doing at the Sports Centre and the new Health & Safety Manager role. I applied for it and was really delighted to be offered the job in the summer of 2024. In the autumn I did a two-week Health & Safety training course. I was really looking forward to the challenge of learning something new and it was a brilliant experience, the group was made up of interesting people with very diverse jobs and I learned a lot.
How would you describe your day-to-day job?
I love the fact that it is so varied – no day is ever the same. From working with contractors like Life Build on Health & Safety requirements for the construction of the new Music School to supporting dons with risk assessments for school trips. I carry out work-station assessments and inspect Socials, work with the Commercial Enterprises team on health & safety and insurance documentation for lettings and – of course – every so often I don my hi-vis as a car park marshal!
I loved building relationships with customers at the Sports Centre, but in this job, I’ve met so many colleagues in different departments and I’m enjoying learning about how each one works and benefitting from everyone’s expertise! It’s all about reaching a conclusion where we are satisfied with the levels of safety and everyone is happy.
What are your favourite memories so far?
I have so many! My first day in my current job I found myself at the Countryside Centre and I had never been there before; now I can’t imagine a time when I didn’t know the team there (animals and humans!).
My first Gaudy this year was really fun and it was lovely to be part of such an exciting day. Further back, the atmosphere on campus when we hosted the European Transplant Games in 2022 was incredible and it’s such a nice memory after all the planning and preparation that went into it.
It was very bittersweet to leave the Sports Centre, but Les (Newell, Head of Sports Centre & Commercial Enterprises) was so supportive of the move I was about to make and I remember feeling very touched by the farewell card I received from the Sports Centre staff, many of whom I had trained as Lifeguards.
What makes Radley a special place to work?
I’ve always felt supported and welcomed here. It is a very special and reassuring environment where there is mutual respect. When I passed my exams, the team made such a fuss and I felt that they were really proud of me.
What has changed in your time here?
I notice that there is more enthusiasm for health & safety in general – people want to do the right thing and they accept that it is important. I’ve grown and changed in the time I’ve been here and, equally, Radley is always evolving and changing – it’s great to be a part of it.
What might we find you doing away from work?
My dog, Biggie (pictured) is a big part of my life! He’s a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and I’ve had him since he was a puppy. We love going on walks. I’m a big reader of thrillers and romance novels and I love meditation and yoga too.
