Meet the Team, Gillian White: Administrator for the West Country

Can you share a happy moment since you started?

I don’t think there is just one. When I first joined, I went to a young person’s event at the Hippodrome. I hadn’t been to the Hippodrome since I was very young. Lots of young people from Blue Sky were there, and I was sat amongst them. I literally spent the whole time grinning. I absolutely loved it.

In general, I just love meeting the foster carers, and I love meeting the young people too, who I don’t see as often. When they come to the office they get to find out who I am. There was one young person who called me ‘The Keeper of Emails’ because I always send out all the emails. When he turned up he said, “Ahh, you’re the lady that’s the Keeper of Emails,” and I said, “yes, that’s me!”

What’s your favourite genre of music?

I listen to anything, from classical to house or rock – depending on my mood. My dad was a DJ when I was growing up, so we listened to lots of different types of music. On a Sunday night he would put on all the disco lights in the living room and then play all this music., Me and my sister would dance around the living room after our baths, ready for bed. We’d have a little party in the living room before bedtime.

What kind of jobs did you carry out previous to Blue Sky as the West Country Administrator?

Before joining Blue Sky I worked for 16 years at a small animal veterinary practice. I started in 2003 as a Receptionist and worked up to Practice Manager. I also worked for the RSPCA for a while, and some referral practices – but I just felt I needed a change. And now I work with foster carers and kids!

Can you tell me a bit about what your role involves?

No day is the same, and each Administrator’s role across Blue Sky varies very differently. One day I can be auditing, doing lots of paperwork, and the next I could be at an ice-skating rink with all the young people; helping the foster carers stay up to date with training – overall, I act as an anchor for the team. There is so much always happening, and the Administrator’s role is to help it all run smoothly. The Administration Team sometimes refer to ourselves as the Agents of Chaos, but perhaps a better description could be the Agents of Order. Hahahah!

Is there anything that you particularly enjoy about working at Blue Sky Fostering?

I love the fact that in previous jobs there was always a hierarchy. But in Blue Sky everybody wants the same thing – whether you’re the cleaner or Simon Lockyer [the founder] everyone is treated the same. I know that my views are valued as much as everyone else at Blue Sky, and that’s something I really like.

Is there anything you find challenging about working for Blue Sky?

I find it really challenging not to be working when it’s my time off! When it’s my time off, I always like to sneak a quick look to see what’s come into our inbox. Our Team Manager John is always telling me, “Stop working when you’re supposed to!”, but I find it really hard!

What is your ideal weekend?

Taking my dogs for a walk, spending time with my horse. Taking my kids for a picnic and reading a book in the sun. Yes, being outside in the sun with the animals, and with my family.

What have you learnt about fostering since joining Blue Sky Fostering?

I didn’t know that there were independent fostering agencies. I thought everything was all run through the local council. I didn’t realise how much work goes on behind the scenes, matching foster carers and children together to create successful relationships. And – perhaps naively - I always thought that if there was a problem within a foster home then the child would be taken from their foster carers, when there is actually so much work that goes in to ensuring young people stay together with their foster families. It’s refreshing to know that my initial thoughts, that I guess were quite negative about fostering, were untrue; Blue Sky do so much work to support young people that have experienced trauma - with the work and training they give the foster carers – the young people really have the chance to discover a more positive life and future for themselves.