Our ‘Seven Questions with…’ series aims to provide you with interesting and engaging mini-interviews from a range of people connected to Schools Plus.
This week, we’ve sat down for a talk with a few of our Team Leaders to find out more about the vital role they have in our company. Team Leaders are likely the first member of our staff you’ll see when visiting our schools and therefore are in many ways the face of Schools Plus!
We are grateful to be joined by the following Team Leaders for today’s interview: Lorraine Johnson Evaristo (who works at Trinity School), Maureen Duh (Bulwell Academy) and Rahavan Rajendran (Carshalton High School for Girls.)
1) Thank you for joining us today! How long have you each worked as Team Leaders for Schools Plus?
Maureen: I have been working for Schools Plus for two and a half years now.
Rahavan: I have been a Team Leader for Schools Plus for two years.
Lorraine: Two years for myself as well.
2) What would you say your main responsibilities are as a Team Leader?
Lorraine: My main responsibilities are the welfare of the customers and the smooth running of the bookings. I also keep my Venue Manager informed of how each shift went.
Maureen: To ensure that everything runs smoothly and to make suggestions that will benefit the team.
3) What do you enjoy most about your role within the company?
Maureen: The flexibility of my shift hours.
Rahavan: Helping the community enjoy themselves in our wonderful facilities.
4) Have you worked at the same site all your career here or have you worked at any other venues?
Lorraine: I have worked at other venues. I like the opportunity to work and meet with other Schools Plus staff.
Maureen: I’ve worked at one venue previously but I’m very happy at my current home at Bullwell Academy.
Rahavan: I have worked at Harris Girls’ Academy Bromley, Harris Invictus Academy Croydon and Carshalton High School for Girls.
5) What are some of the difficulties you face in your role?
Rahavan: Things can go pear shaped very quickly so you have to be on the ball and think effectively and efficiently in the situation for alternative solutions.
6) Could you describe a typical working shift in your job?
Lorraine: I start by checking our online booking system so I know how many customers are due in. I then make sure that all areas they require are clean and safe and that all equipment is put in place.
I make sure the hand over forms are at hand and up to date. Then I am ready to welcome our customers. At the end of the shift I make sure the school is ready and prepared for the following day. I finish by checking the site diary is up to date.
Rahavan: I always arrive at the venue half an hour minimum before the letting starts. I’ll then get the venue ready and set up the facilities as preferred by the customers. I always take photos before and after the lettings to ensure we leave our site as we found it.
To wrap things up on site; I sign off the hand over sheet, alarm and lock the building and fill in a report online.
7) What would you say is a favourite memory or event of yours working for Schools Plus?
Lorraine: I have lots of favourites but the one that stands out for me is attending my Venue Manager’s fabulous wedding. At the reception James Woods, Schools Plus’s Founder, organised the Schools Plus table which made a nice touch to a memorable day.
Rahavan: I don’t have a specific moment in mind but everyday for me is a happy day. I love interacting with the happy customers that we have on site!
We wish to extend our thanks to the Team Leaders who joined us for today’s edition of Seven Questions With… We hope you enjoyed reading their answers as much as we enjoyed asking them.
Shaquille Thompson, team leader at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace was unfortunately unable to join us in time for the blog but did leave us this lovely quote about working at the academy:
There is so much to enjoy about working at Harris Crystal Palace! I work with a truly amazing team who, along with myself, take great pride in looking after our customers and ensuring they get a good service. I get on well with all my customers which makes coming into work that much nicer.
It’s safe to say that whilst our Team Leaders may vary in their professional backgrounds and experience, they are all fully committed to displaying operational experience at their venues and we are very thankful to them!
