Published : Tue 6th Sep
Business Services Lead, Caroline Bartlett will soon be celebrating her 30th year working for the National Trust. Here, she explains how the Business Services team has adapted, over time, and what she enjoys most about working for the Trust.
I’ve worked in the Business Services side of the organisation throughout my time at the National Trust. I first joined as a receptionist (using a typewriter) and am now a Business Services Lead, line-managing four business service co-ordinators. I ensure the smooth running of the Tisbury Hub here in the South West, while also leading the purchasing process in the region.
Within the Tisbury Hub, the Business Services teams support all the people who protect and care for our places – be that the archaeologists, wildlife advisers, or the gardens and park consultants. We’ve a wide and varied workload, but always strive to make sure everyone feels welcome and well looked after, here at the Trust.
Over time, processes and systems have become a key skill-set for the department, as we’ve embracing Microsoft 365. It’s really helped to enhance our day-to-day tasks, such as collating our all-important ‘to do’ lists. We’re always looking for ways to improve our own working practices, and those of all the people we support.
Once a month, I meet with the Business Service Leads from the other three hubs within the South West, where we discuss our ideas on how to improve our work and make things run more efficiently in our respective areas. It’s a great chance to have a say in how the Business Service area is run, and how the roles can develop, which makes me feel really valued as a colleague.
I also hold monthly meetings with the property Business Services team – who operate within the hubs portfolio – so they can share any issues, obstacles or challenges they’re having with their work, with one another and our wider team.
Overall, the people and properties are what I love most about the National Trust. I really believe in the cause and what we’re trying to achieve; it’s a huge part of what’s kept me here all these years.
