Welcome back to our ‘A Day in the Life’ series, where we chat to HILS team members to see what they get up to in a typical day and the impact their efforts have on clients across our services.
This month we are looking our Project Managers, one of the essential teams helping HILS run smoothly and efficiently. This team is made up of four Project Managers, each focusing on a different aspect of the company.
Meet Florence……
Getting the day started
Where I begin my day can vary. Sometimes I’m at one of our three Community Hubs, other days I’m at our base site in Letchworth, and twice a week, I work from home. Regardless of location, my routine always kicks off the same way: diving into my emails. These can range from requests for project tasks from colleagues, information updates, or actions needed for various projects.
Once my inbox is under control, I review my ‘to-do’ list—something I prepare at the end of the previous workday. Prioritisation is key, so I decide what needs immediate attention based on impact, deadlines, and how long each task is likely to take.
A bit of everything!
The nature of my work is dynamic and shifts depending on the projects I’m handling at the time. Right now, my focus is on several key areas. In Customer Service, I work on enhancing customer service standards, ensuring all administrative staff receive appropriate training, and developing feedback loops between clients, their next-of-kin, and HILS. In Strategic Finance, my role involves setting prices for services, reviewing budgets, and crafting financial controls and policies.
Another significant area is the Community Hubs. Here, I work on increasing income generation, streamlining processes for efficiency, fostering a positive team culture, and implementing cost-saving initiatives. Strategic Fundraising is also part of my day, which involves developing corporate outreach strategies, applying for grants, and writing reports for funders. Additionally, I’m involved in Organisational Strategy and Governance, helping to establish company-wide principles, standards, and training programs.
Meetings
Meetings are a constant throughout my day; I typically attend around three on average. These might include presenting updates to steering groups, collaborating with team members to track project progress, or discussing broader organisational initiatives.
As tasks are completed or assigned, I make sure to keep all project plans updated. Collaboration is essential in my role, and I’m fortunate to work alongside many dedicated colleagues who are all committed to driving positive change at HILS.
I always end my day by preparing a new ‘to-do’ list for the following day. It’s a small but effective ritual that helps me stay organised and ready for whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
My days are always so varied, but this is something I enjoy. I like to know that the hard work I put in has a direct impact on the lives of so many of our clients on a daily basis
Are you interested in joining the HILS family? Check out our current vacancies, where you can see our vacancies across Hertfordshire, Hampshire and West Sussex. We’d love to hear from you.
