What our employees say
Rachel Molyneux
Learning & DevelopmentCo-ordinator
Rachel Molyneux joined Helena Partnerships as an apprentice learning and development assistant in 2006. She had just completed her A levels at Carmel College in St Helens and had been considering going to university to study for a business studies degree.
Instead Rachel has stayed with Helena for nearly three years, earning two promotions along the way and undertaking no less than three professional development courses.
“An opportunity arose and I decided this was more for me,” says Rachel who now works as a learning and development co-ordinator. “Following my 12 months apprenticeship here, during which time I studied for an NVQ level 3 in business administration, I was offered a permanent position as a learning development assistant. Then in June 2008 I got the promotion to learning and development co-ordinator. I’ve never looked back.”
Rachel’s role now involves overseeing the very apprenticeships programme which she herself benefited from during her first year with Helena.
“I am closely involved with recruiting the trainees, inducting them, training the mentors who will work with them and developing the programme they will go through during their time with the company. I also co-ordinate staff appraisals and work to develop training and educational programmes to meet their needs. It’s all about identifying what training needs are out there and then meeting them.”
Rachel herself has been quick to take advantage of the strong support Helena gives its employees to further their continuous professional development.
As well as her NVQ qualification, Rachel has also been supported to take a certificate in personnel practice through Wigan and Leigh College and is currently working towards a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development post graduate qualification in leadership and management.
“Helena have been a fantastically supportive employer, providing me with funds and giving me time out from work to complete my studies. The qualifications I have gained, and am currently working towards, are giving me a firm foundation in HR which will set me up for the rest of my career.”
“It’s a great place to work with a large, diverse group of very talented people. Through my work I am exposed to the broad range of work roles which go to make up the Helena family. It’s fascinating.
“The team I work with are great – everyone’s very supportive and we all work really closely together.
“It’s all about what you put into it; what you choose to make of it. If you’re prepared to have a positive attitude and show initiative, Helena Partnerships is here to support you. I’ve learnt it’s important to innovate and make the role your own. If you do that you’ll certainly go far here.”
Cath Jones
Outreach Worker Supervisor
Outreach Worker Supervisor Cath Jones joined Helena Partnerships a year ago when the Re:new Parr programme become part of the Helena family.
Cath manages a team of outreach workers who support and signpost residents to a range of services and agencies across St Helens.
“The team goes out into the community to promote a range of programmes and initiatives around issues such as healthy living, unemployment and training.
“It’s my job to manage and support the team, allocate their work, organise leafleting, and set up activities which will deliver community benefits. So for example we recently set up an exercise class for a local tenants and residents group. It was our job to find someone to take the class, find a venue, organise and publicise the event and attend on the night to make sure everything went smoothly.”
“I love the variety of my work and seeing the very real benefits it delivers to those who live here. Seeing people change and grow in confidence is immensely rewarding.”
Cath adds: “Working for Helena has been a very positive experience. I’ve always felt really supported as a member of staff and it feels like an organisation where I could move up and up – and be supported to do that. It’s a big professional organisation, with all the benefits which go with that. But at the same time it’s not impersonal; it’s a really friendly place to work with a nice atmosphere.
“The quality of the courses Helena has helped me take – mainly mandatory ones like health and safety etc – have been very good. But I hope to look into some professional development courses in the near future and feel sure I will be supported to do that.
“It also feels like we’re really going places as a company – not least in my own team which we are hoping to expand significantly in the spring. It’s good to be part of such a dynamic organisation.”
James Woodward
Storekeeper
James Woodward has come a long way since he joined us in 1998 – as have we.
Back then James was employed by St Helens Council, and it would be four years before Helena Homes took on responsibility for the borough’s 13,500 council houses.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes since I started work here – both for the organisation and for me personally,” says James. “When I started out I was a plasterer/labourer and then went on to be a delivery driver. Just before we took over from St Helens Council I moved into the stores where I have since gone on to become a storekeeper in the plant section.
“Slowly but surely I have built up my confidence and moved into roles which have involved greater responsibility and more leadership. And along the way I have had great support from Helena to grow and develop. In all honesty I feel like a completely different person to when I first started here. I don’t think I ever dreamed back then that one day I would be leading people and managing them.”
Helena was quick to spot James’ potential and his interest in greater responsibility.
Initially he was supported to take a Prince’s Trust Team Programme qualification, and last year he undertook an ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) course in Team Leadership.
“Both courses have been really interesting and useful,” adds James. “And I had excellent support from Helena throughout the time I was taking them – including being allowed days off to attend modules. I have learnt a lot and been able to apply much of what I have learnt in my current role.
“Most of all I learnt a lot about leadership through the courses. There were things I had no idea managers had to deal with, like balancing the needs of a team, dealing with shortages when people were off, motivating people and developing an understanding of who has what skills and how best to use them. It’s all stuff which is going to be of use to me throughout my career.
“Working for Helena I have benefited from a substantial amount of investment in my professional development. I think there are few employers who would devote such time and resources to such areas.”
James is now responsible for managing the plant store at Helena – ensuring all our maintenance operatives and trades people have the tools they need to do the job.
“I love it here,” adds James. “I enjoy coming to work and feel I have found a team where I really belong. Helena is an organisation which is really going places – it feels there’s a lot to look forward to and a lot of exciting things on the horizon. And in these difficult economic times it also feels like a secure place to work with a bright future. It’s good to be part of that.”
Richard Cain
Trainee Estate Caretaker
Before Richard Cain joined the team at Helena Partnerships, by his own admission, life wasn’t going too well.
“I was unemployed and was hanging round with a group of mates who weren’t a good influence to be honest. I was getting into trouble and did not think about the bigger picture or how my actions could affect other people and their perception of me.”
Now Richard is a trainee estate caretaker who takes pride in building good relationships with Helena customers – and who gains satisfaction from improving their environment.
“I suppose you could say I have come a long way since I started at Helena on a placement through the Prince’s Trust Team Programme. I then went on to do an E to E course via St Helens College and then a 12 month placement through St Helens Chamber. I’m about to start the second year of my traineeship and I love it.
Richard’s job is to make sure the estates we manage are clean and tidy. He also carries out health and safety checks on properties and works with partners such as the Council's Environmental Warden Service to tackle grot spots.
“I really enjoy the variety of the work,” adds Richard. “And the staff who I work with are very supportive and knowledgeable. At team meetings I feel my opinion is respected and I am able to make a valuable contribution.”
“I have received a tremendous amount of development support since I started with Helena. The company have paid for driving lessons and I have recently passed my test – something I am really proud of.
“As I suffer from dyslexia, I had difficulty passing the theory test, but I had one to one tuition with my line manager to get me through. I have also completed a wide range of courses in first aid, manual handling, conflict management, dangerous materials, cultural awareness, data protection, strimming and health & safety.
“In my time here I have become more confident and professional both inside and outside of work. I have learnt to respect people and how to gain their trust. I am looking forward to the future and hope, once my training is complete, Helena can offer me a full-time permanent position.”