Work experience: Sam Hoad, engagement manager, Gloucester Heritage

Alexandra Coxon, Regeneration & Renewal, 31 October 2008

Her role is to create opportunities for local people to get involved in and influence regeneration in Gloucester.

- What has been your most beneficial career experience to date?

In 2006, I ran a training course for charity Mencap called Speaking Up Together. Its aim was to give adults with learning disabilities the confidence to influence the services available to them. At training sessions, it's easy to assume people understand what you're saying. But with this group, I had to go back to basics. It made me much more aware of the importance of plain English when communicating with people - whether they have disabilities or are part of a community that doesn't understand regeneration jargon and acronyms.

- What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

The chief executive of Mencap told me that all people are equal and everyone has a right to be heard. No matter how people communicate - whether they speak a different language or don't speak at all - they still have experiences to share.

- What's the best training you've had?

I did a management training course while working at the East West Insurance Company that showed me just how different people's management styles can be. I learned that there isn't necessarily a right or wrong way to manage people; all managers have unique approaches.

- What book would you recommend?

Participation - Spice It Up!, a book by charity Save The Children, suggests loads of fun ways to engage with people. It's aimed at children, but adults like to have fun too.

- What do you wish you'd known when you started out?

That it is important to aim high. I wasn't that confident to begin with, but I'm lucky to have worked with people who have helped me realise my potential.

Career highlights

1994: Becomes manager of the customer services department for the East West Insurance Company.

2002: Joins the Meningitis Trust as financial grants officer.

2004: Sets up and runs a Gloucestershire-wide enablement project by Mencap for people with disabilities.

2007: Starts her current role at Gloucester Heritage.