Kathleen Pickett

joined the Department of Chemistry as Welfare, Training and Development Advisor in September 2016.  In her role, she provides personnel support across the Department, which includes the provision of advice and support on a broad range of personnel related issues: staff recruitment and selection, probation, mentoring, staff review, University policies and training, as well as facilitating a confidential advisory service for staff.  Cambridge is definitely home to Kathleen as she was locally educated in Cambridge schools until moving away to study at York St John University, graduating with a BA Honours in English Literature in 1994.  On returning to Cambridge, Kathleen completed a PGCE in Secondary school teaching and thus began her teaching career.  After a taste of the British teaching system, she migrated to live in Japan, teaching English Language for 4 years; a truly amazing experience.  For the past 12 years, Kathleen has taught English Literature and Language to GCSE level in a Cambridge Secondary school.  Her husband, Paul, is an Advanced Driving Instructor involved in driver retraining, which has enabled them to share the responsibility of looking after their 2 children (Zachary - 6 and Anya - 8).  Managing a teaching job and a young family has been challenging, rewarding and immensely fulfilling for Kathleen.  Having spent a number of years teaching and mentoring teenagers and with her own career change, Kathleen is very aware that there are times when many of us seek advice, support or just an ear.  She feels strongly that positive communication is one of the most important aspects within any workplace.