I remember my first day at work like it was just yesterday – the nerves and excitement of starting a new job followed me all morning. But as soon as I sat in my seat after shaking hands with everyone (cannot be doing that anymore, thanks COVID), I felt a sense of overwhelming peace, like I was exactly where I belonged. 

I received great training and within my third week, I made my first candidate compliant. Since then, I have grown to be a “compliance champion”, always striving to do better and be better. I believe the support that was given to me in my first month was pivotal in making me the person I am today. I want to especially thank my line manager, Louise and Senior Compliance, Conor for answering my million and one questions. 

Since joining, I have met some of the kindest, most hardworking people. The team at Smile never fail to celebrate my achievements, no matter how big or small they are. I even won a Special Achievement award in December, which was one of my highlights of the year. I have made friends with people from all different walks of life, and I truly class the team at Smile as family.

From my first day of training to the looming lockdown in March to now working from home, I have received tremendous support, with the Directors creating detailed scaffolder that will ensure I feel secure and protected when working in all settings. Despite being on Furlough, we all still kept in touch every week, partaking in team social events such as the weekly quiz, as well as participating in training, focused on ways to be “Match Fit” during the lockdown in preparing of returning to work.

When returning to work in July, we settled in and accepted the “new normal” in the office. Although social distancing is not ideal, especially when you have not seen your colleagues in over five months, I have felt safe within the workplace. Suitable measures have been put into place to ensure not only my safety but the safety of others. This highlights how determined the senior staff at Smile were in getting back to work and resuming life in the pandemic.

As I reflect on the past year, despite all the lows and emotional rollercoasters I have been on, I cannot be more thankful and honoured to be part of such a wonderful team. I hope to look back this time next year at all the awful dad jokes, the laughter, the celebration, and be proud of not just myself, but the whole team at Smile.

Found out how you can be part of our ever-growing team here.