As part of the Inclusive Employment Scheme, Richard Collis from the Orchardville Society has been working in a Clerical Assistant role at Queen’s Sport. The Orchardville Society supports adults with a learning disability or autism to find the right job and keep it, using the model of Supported Employment.

What is your job and what does it entail?

My job at Queen’s Sport involves supporting the Admin Team. My duties vary from day to day and include archiving files and computer equipment, managing the disposal of confidential waste, filing, lost property and updating spreadsheets. I have also supported staff at events on-campus such as Fresher’s Fair and Student Open Days.

What attracted you to apply for the placement at Queen's Sport?

I have always been interested in sport and leisure. I saw the placement at Queen’s Sport as the perfect opportunity for me to work in such an environment. My support worker at Orchardville also thought that this would be a good experience for me and somewhere that I could really fit in.

What do you enjoy most about working for Queen's Sport?

What I enjoy most about working at the PEC is that no two days are the same. I have been given the opportunity to learn new skills and improve in areas such as excel spreadsheets, emails, written and interpersonal communications. I also enjoy being part of a team meeting new people and creating friendships.

What do you hope to get out of the placement?

As already outlined I have gained experience and knowledge in key administrative areas. I have also met some very good people who have given me the time and their knowledge to help me improve – they have also become good friends.

My goal is to return to and gain employment on a more permanent basis. My time at Queen's Sport has undoubtedly helped me along this course.

About the Inclusive Employment Scheme at Queen's

Commenting on Queen's University Belfast's Inclusive Employment Scheme, Alan Horne from the  Orchardville Society, Richard's Support Worker, said:

It has been a pleasure working with Cabrini Tsougranis [Office Manager – Administration and Customer Relations, Queen's Sport, Student and Campus Life Directorate] and the team at Queen's PEC – they have been a fantastic support to Richard throughout his voluntary work placement. Richard has greatly developed his skills and experience at Queen's PEC over the last year and it has been great to see his confidence develop, both personally and professionally. Richard always has a variety of tasks to complete in work and he has enjoyed taking on new challenges, showing determination and a positive attitude throughout.

Thanks, Queen's, for this opportunity and support. Well done to Richard for all your hard work!

This is the sixth year of the Inclusive Employment Scheme at Queen's, which the University runs in conjunction with NIUSE (Northern Ireland Union of Supported Employment) and various disability organisations. The scheme aims to give individuals the opportunity to regain skills, learn new skills and enhance their employment opportunities.

The placements range from clerical roles to operational and technical work and span a range of Schools and Directorates.

If you would like further information about the Inclusive Employment Scheme at Queen's, please contact Leeann Matchett in the Diversity, Inclusion and Staff Wellbeing Unit: leeann.matchett@qub.ac.uk.