From office administrator to fire safety professional | MY staff stories

Robyn joined the Trust in an admin role, and is now an Apprentice Fire Safety Advisor. Below she shares what her role involves.

What does your role involve? 

My role mainly involves delivering fire safety training including: MY Trust Induction (Fire), Student Induction, Mandatory Fire Safety, Community Fire Safety, Evacuation, Fire extinguisher, Fire Warden, and Managing Fire Safety. 

I also provide advice to staff throughout the Trust for fire-related issues and conduct departmental audits to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation.

What’s the best thing about your role?

The best thing about my role is the team I work within. As a small team of four, we work closely together to ensure staff across the Trust are supported and trained in fire safety. As an apprentice, I've learned a huge amount from my colleagues, and being part of such a close-knit team makes the role both enjoyable and rewarding.

I also particularly enjoy delivering fire extinguisher training. Seeing staff go from slightly nervous to expertly extinguishing a fire in seconds is always rewarding, and sometimes surprisingly competitive!

Is there an aspect of your work that makes you most proud?

Knowing that the work I do supports the safety of vulnerable patients as well as staff and visitors. Knowing that my work contributes to reducing risk, improving knowledge, and improving fire safety standards gives me a strong sense of purpose and achievement.

How did you get into your role 

My role kind of found me. Fire Safety was never something that I set out to pursue in my career (although it has been the best decision I have made).

Previously I worked as a Clerical Officer within Adult Community Nursing (for just under 9 years) where I had the privilege to work with some amazing people who gave me the confidence I needed to move into my current post.

As part of that role, I served as a Fire Warden, carrying out environmental fire safety checks within the areas I worked in. When the opportunity arose to train as a Fire Safety Advisor, I was eager to apply and was delighted to be selected for the role. I still do environmental checks, but on a much larger scale across the Trust!

And a bit about you...

Outside of work I like to craft, sew and crochet and spend time with my family. The best holiday I've ever been on was the Caribbean for my honeymoon - literally paradise. 

People would be surprised if they knew... I love adrenaline activities! I am the person at the front of a rollercoaster laughing my head of.  I have even done a 160ft bungee jump before!