We all bring our unique skills and outlook to work, and having a diverse team benefits everyone.
This week, for Neurodiversity Celebration Week and World Down’s Syndrome Day, we want you to meet a colleague who is learning, delivering for her team and making them smile at the same time.
Meet Isabel: Facilities Assistant, DHSC
Isabel, Facilities Assistant, joined the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) through the Going Forward into Employment WorkFit pathway. Here, Isabel shares what it’s been like working at DHSC and what she enjoys about her role.
I work on a Monday and Wednesday morning. I help with stocking up stationery cupboards, tidying meeting rooms, and making sure things are in the right place. Every day, I look forward to counting boxes of pens and notebooks in the stationery cupboards as this helps me practice my numbers and get better at counting.
When I first joined DHSC, my team helped me learn where everything goes and how to complete my tasks step by step, but I’ve got more confident and am now doing these tasks by myself. I like doing things myself, enjoying my job, and meeting new people. I like making people laugh – seeing them smile makes me smile. I also make a very good cup of tea and am always happy to lend a hand.
Isabel, Facilities Assistant, DHSC
Life Outside the Office
When Isabel isn’t keeping the DHSC organised, she is a whirlwind of creativity. She is a passionate artist at ‘Mind the Gap’, where she studies music, theatre, and dance. She also loves baking, singing, walking her dogs, and spending quality time with her family.
The Impact of Inclusion
It’s one thing to hear from a new starter, but it’s another to see the impact they have on the wider workplace culture. Danielle, Health and Safety/Workplace Lead at DHSC, explains why Isabel has become such an integral part of the team:
"Isabel takes pride in helping others and genuinely cares about those around her. This really shows in the way she goes about her day.
We’re really pleased to have her with us. The care and attention she brings to her role helps keep the office organised and running smoothly for everyone. She loves meeting people. So, feel free to say hello if you see her around."
Danielle, Health and Safety/ Workplace Lead, DHSC
Get Involved
To learn more about GFiE take a look at our pages on the civil service careers site. Get in touch with us via GFiE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk to talk about how you can support GFiE. To learn more about this GFiE pathway read this blog .
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