Dorothy Oxley, our longest standing temp worker shares her wisdom
We are delighted to introduce Dorothy Oxley, she is a name well known in Prospectus. ‘Why?’ you ask because she has been one of our valued temps for over 30 years! In that time, she’s worked with 36 different organisations and totalled 12,015 hours of work. When we got word that she had decided to retire this year, we couldn’t miss the chance to celebrate her and the amazing work she has done in the charity sector. In this interview, it is a pleasure to hear more about Dorothy’s temping career, along with golden nuggets of advice for anyone who wants to work as a temp in the charity sector.
Hi Dorothy, thank you so much for talking with us today and congratulations on your well-deserved retirement. You’ve temped for many years and we are really interested in why this has worked for you?
Everyone thinks of temping as just an in-and-out job, but that just doesn’t need to be the case. I’ve had several bookings for a considerable time, I’ve even worked in the same organisation in several different roles. So, you actually can get a lot of continuity, while also enjoying variety. What’s really special about this is that you’re constantly learning and some of that learning follows you on to future roles. I think organisations actually benefit from that, because they get a variety of perspectives, knowledge and sharing of experiences.
It’s also incredibly flexible, you can select which days and hours you can work. Several years ago I was even able to carry on my temping work and complete a Higher National Diploma in combined crafts, it was perfect.
Can you tell us a little bit about what’s changed since you started your temping career?
Well, I think a big change, and this is not just in the sector or with temping, is the exponential growth of technology in so many different ways. In one of my temping roles in the 90’s I was part of a small team of people that were trained in basic website coding. This was really interesting but it didn’t last long as before you knew it, you could get programmes and software that did it all for you!
I’ve seen many devices once seen as ‘cutting edge’ technology replaced by others – telex machines by faxes and faxes by emails with attachments and web downloads. Each change has meant that charities have had to further adapt their communications. Websites developed for viewing on full sized computer screens had to become ‘smart phone friendly’; membership organisations had to align their databases with their websites so members could join and renew on line. I’ve learnt to adapt throughout my career, as you have to or you fall by the wayside. Especially nowadays with the pandemic pushing people to work from home and do everything via Zoom. I’ve actually found that a very positive and helpful experience as it has cut down my commute.
What I suppose I’m really trying to say is that the ethos of charities hasn’t changed but the way organisations can now communicate has. You have to adapt to the new ways of working. It’s always good to be open-minded with these things and be aware of what is changing.
You’ve had such a varied career, do you have any stories you can share?
There’s been quite a few over the years! Sometimes it’s not the brilliant experiences that stay with you but the ‘oh my god’ experiences! I had an experience quite recently actually with an organisation that ran a competition during the pandemic. I had been involved in the project before and it was relatively easy to handle. However, because the circumstances for the school entrants had changed with the pandemic and they didn’t run their own internal shortlisting, we received over 700 entrants in one week. Each and every one needed to be logged by category, acknowledged, and reviewed (though the latter, thank goodness, wasn’t done by me). That was a lot to handle! In the end, we had to recruit an extra 18 people to help facilitate the shortlisting process!
We can imagine that was a real challenge! Why is it that you’ve always gravitated towards charities and membership organisations throughout your career?
I suppose it’s the fact that you feel like you’re contributing towards something that’s doing good, it’s having a positive effect on the world in one way or the other. Whether it’s helping those with mental health issues, rehabilitation or physical health needs, there is a whole wealth of organisations out there that are actually contributing a lot to society and it’s nice to be part of that. In some roles, I’ve met with members and seen how it works from the inside out, that’s where board and committee work has always fascinated me. Overall its all been very fulfilling and very satisfying.
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us, Dorothy. We think it’s fair to say that you will be missed. Not just by us at Prospectus but by the organisations you’ve contributed to.
Thank you all so much. I would like to thank all the staff at Prospectus from the finance team to the temp team. I think it’s fair to say that Prospectus is definitely not an ageist employer as you’ve put up with me until I was 73!
Well that’s great to hear and we wouldn’t have had it any other way, thank you! Just before you leave, do you have any wisdom or advice you would like to pass on?
I would say be versatile, be receptive to new ideas, give it your all. Whatever job you’re in give it everything and enjoy it. Learn with it and most importantly go with the flow – where ever it takes you.
We couldn’t agree more Dorothy, it’s been a real pleasure to have you temp for us during your career.
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