Following on from our other Meet the Team interviews, we sat down with Compliance Administrator Georgie Aronin. In this interview Georgie tells us what her role involves and why she enjoys working for Step by Step.
When did you start working at Step by Step?
I joined the team towards the end of April, so I’m still a newbie. It’s such a great place to work and I’m loving it!
What does your role involve?
I was taken on as a Compliance Administrator. The role involves making sure everyone’s doing what they should be doing, and following regulations set by Ofsted and other regulatory bodies.
What were you doing before you came to work at Step by Step?
I originally went to university and achieved a degree in Psychology. Once I’d finished, I didn’t have much time to get into the field as I had my four children soon after. I then started my own business doing editing and transcribing, which I still work on part-time. Prior to working at Step by Step, I also worked in Compliance for my local council, dealing with gas and electricity regulations.
What was the inspires you to work in the area you do?
Having four kids of my own, all teens and young adults, I want to be able to support other children who are in difficult circumstances. The issues children and young people face have always been close to my heart and prior to having kids I was interested in working in fostering. It’s all come full circle now that I’m working for Step by Step Fostering.
What’s your favourite thing about working for Step by Step?
The people who work here are so lovely. I feel totally supported and there’s a real teamwork atmosphere. It’s so rewarding to work for a charity that prevents homelessness and amazing to see the positive impact on the lives of young people facing hard times.
What’s the most challenging thing?
The biggest challenge is finding enough foster carers to meet the need. There are so many children out there who need homes, and not enough people willing to provide that to them. I always try to attend events to promote fostering and spread the word to my friends whenever I can.
What would you say are some of the biggest misconceptions about fostering?
People think there are huge restrictions as to who can foster, when in reality there aren’t. Foster carers can come from all walks of life. We welcome single parents, same-sex parents and adults of any age, including people who may think they’re too old.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I love going for walks and socialising with friends. I tend to work on my own business in the evenings- but I really enjoy doing that. My four children also keep me very busy!
What’s one thing people might be surprised to find out about you?
I am an avid comper! Over the years I have entered lots of different competitions and won loads of prizes. Some of the most exciting things I’ve won included the Duchess of Cornwall’s brooch, the opportunity to meet the Coronation Street cast, and a holiday to Moscow!
If you think you could offer a safe, stable and caring home to a young person in need and would like more information, our team are always here to help.
Contact us here today.