Staff stories
Read Jeff's story
How do you start your working day?
Each day starts with a coffee and the news on TV. I start thinking about work because everything is related to money. It gets me fired up because Clean Slate is all about doing everything we can to make life easier for people.
Describe a typical conversation with a colleague?
Our team is spread across the country and many work remotely. I have a couple of video calls a day with colleagues, which I enjoy. We seem to share a similar sense of humour as well as a sense of purpose. My job is to join the dots between our plans and our customers’ needs. Talking about growing when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by how much people are up against can be a challenge. We expanded quickly during the pandemic so most of us hadn’t met each other until our staff conference in April 2022. It was great to find we were all on the same page and we devised a promise to the people we want to support: We see you. We hear you. We are you.
Why did you join Clean Slate?
My fifteen years at The Big Issue, ending up as Managing Director, led to me setting up Clean Slate but that's not the whole story. I did want to build on what I'd learnt: That thousands of people just need the right support and the right opportunity to be able to help themselves back onto their feet.
But one day I realised my passion came from something personal. I’d buried it: The time a five-year-old me came back from school to witness a wrecking ball punching down the walls of the squat that my mum, my brother and I (and a few other families) had essentially slept rough in since leaving a refuge. It's funny what you accept as normal when you're a kid and don't re-evaluate as an adult. I joined The Big Issue as an aspiring journalist, as a student wanting to make a difference to homelessness around Bath. Now I realise it was also about me and my childhood too.
What is tough about your job?
My job is looking at how we can help more people struggling to make ends meet. I talk to local councils, housing associations, national charities and corporate companies. Sometimes I have to rock the boat, which can get quite uncomfortable. I remind myself this is the job – and not to take things too personally.
What is great about the job?
I get quite self-conscious but I'm overcoming that as I start to record and publish videos for the Quids in! website. Friends have started to comment on what I do. My mum shares everything we post and my aunt started trolling me online, which both make me laugh. I can get carried away talking politics with friends because Clean Slate sees up close what's happening for people. I’d like to spend more social time with colleagues setting the world to rights but that means getting round the country and working round their other commitments... Our whole company (almost) seems to be staffed by mums!
How do you wind down?
Clean Slate staff really look out for each other. I appreciate being able to take time off without worrying work is piling up for when I get back. So long as deadlines are met, unfinished business doesn't worry me. When the day’s finished, it’s finished. I joke that my friends don't care about what I do, which forces a switch-off. But it's more that being part of a crowd of gay friends is no place to get too earnest. That said, we all remain outsiders and very conscious of how privilege works. By 11pm, I’m dropping off to sleep watching 24 Hours in A&E in bed. Some people find it upsetting but I find the compassion people can show each other very comforting. I avoid the news. That would keep me up all night.
Each day starts with a coffee and the news on TV. I start thinking about work because everything is related to money. It gets me fired up because Clean Slate is all about doing everything we can to make life easier for people.
Describe a typical conversation with a colleague?
Our team is spread across the country and many work remotely. I have a couple of video calls a day with colleagues, which I enjoy. We seem to share a similar sense of humour as well as a sense of purpose. My job is to join the dots between our plans and our customers’ needs. Talking about growing when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by how much people are up against can be a challenge. We expanded quickly during the pandemic so most of us hadn’t met each other until our staff conference in April 2022. It was great to find we were all on the same page and we devised a promise to the people we want to support: We see you. We hear you. We are you.
Why did you join Clean Slate?
My fifteen years at The Big Issue, ending up as Managing Director, led to me setting up Clean Slate but that's not the whole story. I did want to build on what I'd learnt: That thousands of people just need the right support and the right opportunity to be able to help themselves back onto their feet.
But one day I realised my passion came from something personal. I’d buried it: The time a five-year-old me came back from school to witness a wrecking ball punching down the walls of the squat that my mum, my brother and I (and a few other families) had essentially slept rough in since leaving a refuge. It's funny what you accept as normal when you're a kid and don't re-evaluate as an adult. I joined The Big Issue as an aspiring journalist, as a student wanting to make a difference to homelessness around Bath. Now I realise it was also about me and my childhood too.
What is tough about your job?
My job is looking at how we can help more people struggling to make ends meet. I talk to local councils, housing associations, national charities and corporate companies. Sometimes I have to rock the boat, which can get quite uncomfortable. I remind myself this is the job – and not to take things too personally.
What is great about the job?
I get quite self-conscious but I'm overcoming that as I start to record and publish videos for the Quids in! website. Friends have started to comment on what I do. My mum shares everything we post and my aunt started trolling me online, which both make me laugh. I can get carried away talking politics with friends because Clean Slate sees up close what's happening for people. I’d like to spend more social time with colleagues setting the world to rights but that means getting round the country and working round their other commitments... Our whole company (almost) seems to be staffed by mums!
How do you wind down?
Clean Slate staff really look out for each other. I appreciate being able to take time off without worrying work is piling up for when I get back. So long as deadlines are met, unfinished business doesn't worry me. When the day’s finished, it’s finished. I joke that my friends don't care about what I do, which forces a switch-off. But it's more that being part of a crowd of gay friends is no place to get too earnest. That said, we all remain outsiders and very conscious of how privilege works. By 11pm, I’m dropping off to sleep watching 24 Hours in A&E in bed. Some people find it upsetting but I find the compassion people can show each other very comforting. I avoid the news. That would keep me up all night.
read Zhara's story
How do you start your working day?
How I start changes every day but normally I wake up and get stuck in with any admin!
Describe a typical conversation with a colleague?
Informative and quick. Since I am always on the go, around London or working on remote projects, any colleague conversations are to the point.
Why did you join Clean Slate?
Clean Slate advertised the job as something that would adapt to any needs I had so it was worth working for a company that cares about staff needs.
What is tough about your job?
Firstly, the role requires a lot of interpersonal relationships, from clients, colleagues from other centres and partners you meet at events. This means maintaining a consistent authentic positivity when in public spaces. Otherwise, I am balancing administration, adapting to internal changes in data collection and ensuring the way I present plans of action is consistent and compassionate.
What is great about the job?
I enjoy being able to provide new options to clients. A lot of clients are left in the dark and I am the one to show them that they do have hope and that they can improve their lives.
How do you wind down?
I just play games or chill with friends.
How I start changes every day but normally I wake up and get stuck in with any admin!
Describe a typical conversation with a colleague?
Informative and quick. Since I am always on the go, around London or working on remote projects, any colleague conversations are to the point.
Why did you join Clean Slate?
Clean Slate advertised the job as something that would adapt to any needs I had so it was worth working for a company that cares about staff needs.
What is tough about your job?
Firstly, the role requires a lot of interpersonal relationships, from clients, colleagues from other centres and partners you meet at events. This means maintaining a consistent authentic positivity when in public spaces. Otherwise, I am balancing administration, adapting to internal changes in data collection and ensuring the way I present plans of action is consistent and compassionate.
What is great about the job?
I enjoy being able to provide new options to clients. A lot of clients are left in the dark and I am the one to show them that they do have hope and that they can improve their lives.
How do you wind down?
I just play games or chill with friends.
Communications: Naomi's story
Telling the world and our customers what we're up to (and finding out what the world thinks about what we're up to) is all part of comms at Clean Slate and Quids in! Social media, websites, press releases and dabbling in dodgy graphics...Jack of all trades, master of... some?! |
read Naomi's story
How do you start your working day?
The truth? Absolute chaos - "Get your shoes on! Have you brushed your teeth? Please stop eating blu-tac..." After the school run, I sometimes grab a cheeky croissant on the way home, ready to start work at 9:30am.
Describe a typical conversation with a colleague?
We have a weekly publishing meeting with the Editor of Quids in! magazine, as well as our Business Development Manager, our Funding, Research and Projects Coordinator, our Office Manager and MD Jeff (when he's not dashing around the country attending other meetings!) We will often discuss new government policies and work out the best way to communicate them to people on low incomes to ensure people are always one step ahead.
Why did you join Clean Slate?
I joined by chance if I'm honest, but I'm so glad I did. After a 5 year mat leave (barely turning a computer on, "Zoom - as in fast?") I did some freelance work to help Clean Slate set up their Voices project. (I used to be a Case Study Officer at Mencap pre-pandemic and pre-kids.) I've always looked for work that feels meaningful and I've always enjoyed helping people share their experiences so when I was offered the Communications Manager role, I jumped at the chance.
What is tough about your job?
There's always so much more we could be doing and it's tempting to try all the new trends... Should we run a survey? Should we join TikTok? (No, really... should we?) But it's always about coming back to our audience, finding out what they need and how they need it.
What is great about the job?
I feel so lucky that I get to hear people's stories, first hand. Some people have all the odds stacked against them but manage to turn things around. Some people have really profound insights that they've gleaned from their own experiences. I believe stories have the power to change things - just look at #MeToo. It's exciting to be part of it.
How do you wind down?
Winding down for me is about having a little bit of time on my own, ideally somewhere beautiful in nature. I love walking and I've just taken on an allotment which is very exciting!
The truth? Absolute chaos - "Get your shoes on! Have you brushed your teeth? Please stop eating blu-tac..." After the school run, I sometimes grab a cheeky croissant on the way home, ready to start work at 9:30am.
Describe a typical conversation with a colleague?
We have a weekly publishing meeting with the Editor of Quids in! magazine, as well as our Business Development Manager, our Funding, Research and Projects Coordinator, our Office Manager and MD Jeff (when he's not dashing around the country attending other meetings!) We will often discuss new government policies and work out the best way to communicate them to people on low incomes to ensure people are always one step ahead.
Why did you join Clean Slate?
I joined by chance if I'm honest, but I'm so glad I did. After a 5 year mat leave (barely turning a computer on, "Zoom - as in fast?") I did some freelance work to help Clean Slate set up their Voices project. (I used to be a Case Study Officer at Mencap pre-pandemic and pre-kids.) I've always looked for work that feels meaningful and I've always enjoyed helping people share their experiences so when I was offered the Communications Manager role, I jumped at the chance.
What is tough about your job?
There's always so much more we could be doing and it's tempting to try all the new trends... Should we run a survey? Should we join TikTok? (No, really... should we?) But it's always about coming back to our audience, finding out what they need and how they need it.
What is great about the job?
I feel so lucky that I get to hear people's stories, first hand. Some people have all the odds stacked against them but manage to turn things around. Some people have really profound insights that they've gleaned from their own experiences. I believe stories have the power to change things - just look at #MeToo. It's exciting to be part of it.
How do you wind down?
Winding down for me is about having a little bit of time on my own, ideally somewhere beautiful in nature. I love walking and I've just taken on an allotment which is very exciting!