Introducing Alex, our new Head of Operations Manager!
Hi Alex!
Before we start the serious questions lets break-the-ice a little and get to know you better. What is your favourite film, and why?
My favourite film has to be The Shawshank Redemption, its’ just a great film with a fantastic ending.
My favourite book is easily Lord of the Rings. The trilogy was a big part of my childhood and wonderfully brought to the big screen has been a huge bonus!
What is your favourite meal and why?
Grilled Octopus! It’s so tasty and gives me fantastic memories of my trips to Greece, Portugal and Spain.
Tell us a little about your journey that has led you to your new role. How long have you worked at Circle?
I have worked at Circle for 11 years. I knew Circle, and the Haven team in particular, from my previous role as a youth worker in North Edinburgh with Muirhouse Youth Development Group. I had been involved in a few years of joint working around primary to secondary transition with the Haven team and new their work well.
I was first employed as a Family Outreach Worker in the Haven team in 2011, then a combined FOW and Project Manager with Haven 2015 – 2017 and following that the combined Haven and West Lothian Project Managers in 2017-2021.
I have always been interested in and enjoyed more strategic work and also wanted to stay and develop with Circle so the new Head of Operations role was very attractive. I was successful in securing the Head of Operations role and started in that role in November 2021.
What will your new specific role entail/what are you going to be doing and who will you be working with?
Two key roles – firstly supporting the project management team around strategic and operational areas to help ensure high quality service delivery.
Secondly, working closely with the Chief Executive and the management team to ensure Circle are in a healthy financial position and moving forward as an organization in a number of key areas. This includes; increasing the number of children and families we support, create and effective and lasting partnerships with partners across various sectors, influence the policy environment particularly around children’s rights and the whole family approach, develop our and the sectors expertise and knowledge and be an excellent organization for staff to work for.
Mark Kennedy- Chief Executive;
“We created the Head of Operations role to provide operational and strategic leadership, direction, and support to the project management team and wider workforce, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the work of Circle. As Head of Operations Alex enhances the operational effectiveness of our project teams by promoting staff development and wellbeing, providing strategic continuity across our geographically dispersed projects, and leading on service development and improvement.”
What most excites you about your new role?
Working more closely with the Project Managers and Chief Executive and being able to help drive Circle forward and increase our reach and effectiveness as a charity while being a great place for all staff to work.
Do you have a special memory from your time at Circle?
In fact, just a few weeks ago I received a phone call from a mum I supported a number of years ago. She said her son was doing really well in school and had received a scholarship….the mum said the first person she thought to call was myself as I had made a huge difference at a difficult time for them as a family. It was great to hear that he was doing so well and that I had contributed in some way!!
Thanks Alex! And finally, if you could click your fingers and change one thing (societal, financial, political) that would instantly help the families you support, what would it be?
A minimum income for families that enables parents to afford the very basics which for far too many is not the case.
If you would like to support our fantastic staff with the vital work they do alongside children and families then you can donate here – Make a Donation – Circle Scotland
And if you would be interested in joining our team then keep any eye out on our vacancies page – Job Vacancies – Circle Scotland
Meet other new Circle team members here:
Kirsten– Announcing – A New Fundraising and Communications Officer – Circle Scotland
Sarah- Announcing – A New Family Outreach Worker – Circle Scotland
Find out more about Circle’s longstanding staff here:
Meet the Circle Team – Staff Insights and Interviews – Circle Scotland