NewsFrom Suffolk Girl to "London Lady"

Our periodic spotlight on the remarkable people who make up the LEAP team begins with East Anglia’s finest, Lucy Dutton. Here is her story:

“I grew up in Suffolk, where I completed my A Levels. I then spent a gap year travelling throughout Australia before I started at London South Bank University in September 2002. London attracted me because it seemed like a vibrant, diverse city and because I wanted to study International Politics, it seemed an ideal location. University was a fantastic experience, but living in London opened my eyes to the poverty and the social exclusion that existed. On completion of my degree, I knew I wanted a job where I could help people and make a difference. Many of the graduate schemes seemed to be for profit-driven companies and I definitely did not have the motivation to work for them. I felt like I wanted to use my degree effectively, but make a difference at the grass roots level. I had not seen many jobs advertised that had attracted my attention until I saw a job advertised through my university job shop for the position of Client Support Officer at LEAP. Having researched LEAP I felt it was definitely a company I would be interested in working for. I did not hear anything for a while, so assumed I had been unsuccessful, so when the letter from LEAP arrived inviting me for an interview, I was very pleasantly surprised. Having attended two interviews, one of which was with the Chief Executive, Tunde Banjoko, I felt that LEAP had a very positive and genuine feel as an organisation. I was therefore delighted to be offered the position of Client Support Officer, which I started in October 2005.

Although I was nervous starting at LEAP, I soon felt that I was in safe hands as all of the staff were so friendly and welcoming. I was really enjoying my new role and it was definitely challenging working with a diverse pool of clients with different personalities. Immediately I felt that I was making a difference and helping people to better themselves. Being introduced to the STRIVE programme and observing over the three weeks, I watched clients go through a transformation at the end which they were prepared, stronger and ready to tackle the world of work. Being part of such a rare process was a wonderfully rewarding feeling. The role of Client Support Officer enabled me to help clients in a variety of ways, including helping them to use the job search room facilities, facilitate group sessions and deliver the LEAP IT courses. I became so passionate about LEAP and the services it provides, as it was obvious that we make a significant difference to people's lives and that all staff members are committed to helping people. The work environment here is really special. LEAP provides a service that is about much more than just helping people to find work, for many people it is the beacon of hope and the vehicle that can help them change their life for the better.

It is generally be assumed that if you work in a small organisation there will be little or no room for growth, however staff development is something Tunde is passionate about. In my role, I was able to contribute to the redesigning of the LEAP IT Courses, which have since been accredited, and its something I feel very proud of. I was also one of the team chosen to study for a NVQ Level 4 in Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG). I was very thankful for the opportunity to receive a vocational qualification that is recognised in this field. I felt very happy at LEAP and knew that I wanted to grow in the organisation and help it to continue to develop the fantastic services that it provides.

In October 2007, I was offered a promotion, to the position of Support Services Officer, which I accepted and is my current post at LEAP. In this role I work with clients that LEAP has placed into work, offering a post placement service for up to two years. I was thrilled at the opportunity to progress within the company and to further my personal and professional development. In my new role I work with clients more closely and intensely on a one to one basis, helping them to continue progressing and developing in their chosen careers. It is an amazing feeling when you know your assistance has contributed to someone achieving an ambition or overcoming a barrier, however big or small, it gives me butterflies!

For clients their personal situations undoubtedly impact on their professional progression, all LEAP staff members recognise this and go above and beyond the requirements on a daily basis. I am proud to be part of the LEAP family and hope that LEAP is able to continue to nurture and deliver its extraordinary service, because it certainly deserves to.”