Georgina Brookes

I spent my first 6 and a half weeks in classroom-based training involving first aid, control and restraint, de-escalation and communication skills, report writing, handling and documentation of custody property and many other vital skills to ensure the security, safety and well-being of people in custody, fellow officers and myself.

Once I graduated from training, I began work at Winchester Crown Court in the cell block and assisted with the care of people in custody. Ensuring their needs were met during their time under our care. I also spent a large portion of my time in the court itself, so I have a vast knowledge of legal proceedings, and I am comfortable in a court and custody setting.

Within my role as a test operative, I would either be assigned as a tester or an administrator. As a tester, I was required to perform COVID-19 lateral flow tests on hundreds of people boarding a Virgin cruise ship to limit the spread of infections as much as possible. Organisation and efficiency were crucial to ensure the smooth and safe running of the test site. Following strict protocol, enabling appropriate disposal of used PPE and regular deep cleans of workspaces. This was a customer-centred role; some customers required extra reassurance and compassion due to anxiety and nerves. Comfort and safety were my priority at all times.

As an administrator, the tests would come to me to be verified and entered on the online spreadsheet connected to the cruise boarding team. Accuracy was the most important part of the role to ensure the safety of all boarding the cruise. It was incredibly fast-paced and target-oriented.

During my time as a care assistant, it was my role to provide essential personal care, emotional support, and companionship to elderly residents, aiming to enhance their quality of life, independence, and dignity. Working as a team was vital, and always staying vigilant, monitoring residents' well-being and reporting to senior carers of any concerns immediately. This role involved a significant amount of paperwork; ensuring these were filled out and filed correctly was essential to ensure the correct care was given, and a paper trail was made of all actions of care staff and all observations of residents. Confidentiality was also paramount, and ensuring sensitive paperwork was managed carefully and accurately and never left for others to pick up. The most important part of this role was compassion and genuine care for the people I worked for, always putting their best interest first.

In this role, I was required to pick up the shopping for home deliveries and pack them correctly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the increase in home deliveries, efficiency was most important; the role was fast-paced and target-oriented. On my handheld device, there was a progress tracker that I adhered to. Problem-solving and quick thinking assisted me in maintaining progress and ensuring customer satisfaction.