Testimonials

Lara Thain - Practice Consultant

Shortly after qualifying I started a role in the Ashfield district children’s services team. After three-and-a-half-years, I decided  I would try another authority;, mainly as a way of gaining  further experience, however I also had a vision that ‘the grass may be greener’.  

Little did I know…
After just two days into my new role as an agency worker within the health sector, I started to think ‘what have I done?’  I had left a challenging and difficult role; however, I missed the supportive team and culture of Nottinghamshire. During my four years away working for various authorities, I regularly used the skills I had acquired in Nottinghamshire, and often found myself teaching others the ‘Nottinghamshire way’.

In 2016 I was delighted to be invited back to the Mansfield District Child Protection Team as an agency worker. I felt as if I had had a long holiday and had now returned home. I was with that team for 12 months before embarking on my most challenging yet rewarding role to date, joining the court team. In July 2017 I made the bold decision to apply to become permanent once again as I so valued the support and guidance from both my social work and management team.

Looking back on my time working for Nottinghamshire County Council I have developed and advanced my skills, in large part due to the fantastic opportunities and career pathways we have here in Nottinghamshire. It is clear to me that these opportunities aren’t always as prevalent in other authorities. I do not regret having left to follow new opportunities, however I can safely say that ‘the grass is definitely not any greener’ and Nottinghamshire County Council is, in my opinion, the place to be!

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