Sarah-Louise Neesam first joined EEG in 2001 as a student welfare manager, helping students in crisis, while also working as a counsellor and bursary administrator. Motivated by her brilliant team and can-do ethos, Sarah has spent 23 years with us and has consistently brought passion and care into student welfare at West Suffolk College.
Where did your journey with West Suffolk College begin?
I started work the week The Twin Towers were targeted back in 2001. I had just finished my degree as a mature student and walked straight into the role of student welfare manager. Back in those days, I worked as a welfare worker, a counsellor and bursary administrator. We saw about 250 students in crisis a year and I also supported the activities put on by the student union. I very much remember a red nose day event with space hopers racing around the quad and ‘chubby bunny’ being played in the room that IT currently has.
A lot has changed in those 23 years, but what has remained the same is the brilliant people you get to work with, the can-do ethos and the chances I have been afforded to grow as a person and as a manager, making use of the personal development on offer and the chance to test out experimental practice. I have stayed so long because every day is different and new ideas and challenges are regularly launched, keeping me interested.
What was your reason for joining us?
I joined because I wanted to support students before taking up my masters – which I never did do. There is always retirement.
What are you doing now?
I am the group head of welfare and safeguarding, currently responsible for three colleges and six schools. I have been fortunate to have made use of CPD and made many local connections over time.
Is there anything you’d like to share as we celebrate 100 years of history?
This is a wonderful organisation that gives staff the chance to develop their full potential while giving our students the chance to learn in a safe environment and develop their skills for work.
Do you have any advice for future staff and students working or studying with us?
Work hard, do your best and take hold of the opportunities available.
