Welcome to our Staff Profile series, where we will be posting interviews from every London Plus staff member! Many people reading this have likely met some of us in the past, but these profiles give the opportunity for charities to see behind the professional curtain…
Our next staff profile is with Anne, the Operations Manager at London Plus.
Hi Anne! Let’s start by hearing a bit about you. What are some of your hobbies?
I like to go running, especially early in the morning before everyone gets up. I also do yoga and love a good jigsaw puzzle!
What’s a fun fact about you?
I used to work for a charity based in Buckingham Palace! Every morning, we would hear music playing for the Changing of the Guards on the forecourt. I was a member of the Buckingham Palace book club and joined the gym there – there’s lots of staff there as you can imagine, so it was a great working culture.
Wow! So, what is your role at London Plus?
I’m the Operations Manager, so I do all the bookkeeping, manage the accounts, deal with the auditors, payroll, things like that. My role also covers HR, which includes recruitment and employment contracts.
How did you end up in this role?
I went to university at 29 for my degree in English Literature and followed that with an MA in Film History. I love films so I went to work for the Film Council, a public body that gives out funding for filmmakers. After that, I wanted to stay in the non-profit sector, so that led me to work for brilliant charities such as The Queen’s Trust, Carers Trust and now London Plus.
Do you have a favourite movie?
Oh yes, The Ladykillers (1955). Love that one! An Ealing Comedy classic with a brilliant cast. I was not so keen on the remake with Tom Hanks though (sorry Tom).
Great! You were saying?
People who work for charities are so passionate about everything they do, which I love. So I’ve been with charities ever since.
London Plus in particular appealed to me because it’s a small organisation, and you get to do a lot more when you work in a small team. The work is a lot broader and more varied.
What else do you like about the work?
I enjoy being organised and love a spreadsheet! Some people hate them, but I love them. Everyone is also really passionate here, and we have a friendly, inclusive team. I work part-time because I am a carer for my mother-in-law and London Plus allows flexible working to fit in with my caring duties.
Despite the fact that we all work from home, I think we’re quite a social team as well. I’ve worked in organisations before where I could go for days without really speaking to anyone, so it’s nice that I get to speak to people a lot.
Why is your role important?
A charity can do lots of really good things, but unless you have the governance right, if the mechanics aren’t working, it can’t do those things.
Thanks Anne. Last thing, what’s your favourite hidden gem in London?
It’s not really ‘hidden’, but I love the Bridge Theatre. I’ve seen loads of amazing productions there, and it’s just a really nice theatre – you always get a good view, no matter where you sit.
***
A big thank you to Anne! Stay tuned for more staff profiles, and check out more below!
- Emily, our London Communities Emergencies Partnership Manager
- Hannah, our Networks Manager
- Penny, our Researcher and Data Analyst
- Laura, our Communications and Engagement Manager
Want to find out more about London Plus? Check out our About Us page.
Follow London Plus on socials:
