Name
Claire Gloyne Phillips
Old Position
Chair of a swimming club and board member of a charity managing a Grade II listed swimming bath. Working on heritage funding for restoration.
New Career
Chair of a swimming club and board member of a charity managing a Grade II listed swimming bath. Working on heritage funding for restoration.
Can you tell us about your current role?
I live in Cheshire and I’m Chair of a Swimming club which uses a local swimming pool housed in a Grade II Listed Victorian swimming bath. There is a charity set up to run this facility and I also serve on the board of that. It is a beautiful landmark not to mention a loved and well used facility. The building needs huge investment and I with my time available so I am working on a project that will lead to the submission of a bid for heritage lottery funding to do the restoration work needed.
Where did your career path begin?
I’ve got a background in planning and environmental consultancy. I took a career break to raise a family and now my children are in full time secondary school, I have more time on my hands. I still need work to be flexible – both because of my children in the afternoons and mornings but also with elderly parents too.
What made you decide to move in a different direction?
I felt the option to move back into environmental consultancy would mean going back to the beginning and starting again as the regulatory framework will have shifted and after a long career break, it’s hard to get back in. I looked at it, and I couldn’t go back in at the level I was at so starting again doesn’t seem as appealing as looking at something new.
How did you go about it?
I heard about a programme with Brave Starts: it was sponsored so didn’t carry any cost to myself so I thought why not give it a try? The programme involved us working in cohorts alongside others. Every few weeks we’d meet up and discuss how we’d moved forward with our actions. It was a good starting point for some self-reflection which focused my energy and motivation.
How hard did you find to move into such a different role?
It was relatively easy. I was already involved in running the swimming club so to move into a Chair role felt like a natural step. The swimming club is the main client for the Victorian baths so with the idea of the baths facing closure without funding and support I wanted to get involved. I was closely affected by it so stepping up to help lead on this project to try and get the money for the restoration feels like a natural step and my background in planning and environmental consultancy makes me credible.
What led to you getting your current role?
I had knowledge of planning and project management so I threw myself into researching and writing grant applications. I watched and learned about what was more likely to succeed. Much of what is needed is a focus and a personality that says ‘I’ll give it a go’. What do you have to lose? I’ve been successful in securing funding for the swimming club and am working on the submission of an initial smaller grant to repair one part of the building before working on the larger bid required to secure the future of the Baths.
What transferable skills did you find that you had?
My research skills meant I could apply this to learning about grant fund and application writing. My writing skills and ability to communicate clearly must have helped as I have been able to secure some funding. I have good skills in pulling a team together and galvanising action around a mission. I knew I could enlist volunteers to support and help so I think there is some ‘can do’ attitude which is helpful anywhere. I’m great at connecting people. When I meet someone and think they’d benefit from connecting with someone else I’m able to make that introduction. That’s a real skill that I know transfers anywhere. Whilst my planning skills might have been a bit rusty, I knew the things I’d have to plan and account for in the application, so updating myself on suppliers, costs, getting quotes was not difficult.
Were you nervous about making your career changes?
No – this was a role I was doing as a volunteer so moving it up a notch was based on insight I’d already gained.
Did you get any support or advice?
The main support I got was my own family. They’ve supported me to take the time to work on this project and it’s given us the time I need to work on this whilst also still being available to them. I’d also say we got support on the programme. The other women I was working with on the cohort were all very encouraging. We were pushed to focus on actions which I think does help move people forward.
What would you say to other people who are thinking of making a change?
I’d say to most people it’s a really good idea to try something first to decide you like it or not. I knew this was a project I cared about and through doing it I’ve built up so many skills and valuable experience. I have met local politicians, senior council officials and members of the local business community – opportunities I’d never have had if I’d gone back to environment consultancy. I’m so much more confident now – I’m effectively CEO of a small organisation (our turnover is around quarter of a million) and I’ve had to work my way through problems – everything from hiring swimming coaches, to managing suppliers to managing budgets. I know I’m so much more capable of things that I realised.
I’ve also learned through doing this how important it is to me that my work makes a difference. These baths enable connection. I know people who’ve made lifelong friends through having their children swim in the club. I know we’ve helped young people groups of children who are struggling with their mental health self harming find an activity they enjoy and build connections that are meaningful. I’ve learned how important work is to me and how much I need this to be part of my life.
