We've been getting to know our newest OD Practitioner, Frances Dawson, whose job it is to help colleagues develop within the organisation. She's also playing a role in organising our 2025 CHuFT Awards. 

What is your career background?

"My career has been quite varied to date and has involved marketing for a law firm, retail management, training, coaching and lecturing.  My last role was working in leadership and management apprenticeships for Leeds Beckett University.

"My passion is developing people to achieve their potential, but I also love events organisation so I am absolutely thrilled to be involved in organising our amazing CHuFT Awards! I have the privilege of sending out the emails to Golden Ticket winners to let them know that they’ve won."

Do you have a career highlight?

My career highlight was a long time ago now, but I was once asked to organise an entertainment event in Atlanta, Georgia (USA). The theme was Gone with the Wind and I loved pulling together the theme, venue, menu, invitations and gift bags. Although I did discovered just how long American streets are when I thought that I could just walk to the bookstore from my hotel to pick up an order of almost 200 books to go into the gift bags – I did end up having to take a cab!"

Sum up your role in three words

Varied, challenging, rewarding.

What did you want to be growing up?

"I wanted to be a barrister or a biscuit manufacturer - depending on the day and when I'd last done any baking!"

When you are not at work, how do you relax?

I have a lot of hobbies, but my favourite way to relax is taking my elderly rescue dog for walks and sitting with her and my youngest daughter watching anime or reading. 

Is there anything people would be surprised to know about you?

"I’m a rugby union coach at the Old Brodleians and that I’m also temporarily in charge of my eldest daughter’s Gyr-Saker Falcon, Venus, who lives in our back garden!"