Beth joined Ingeus in 2022 looking for greater job satisfaction and ‘a giving role’ to replace the frustrations and shift patterns of call centre work. She found both.
Beginning as a Restart Advisor and quickly progressing to a Performance Coach, she says Ingeus just clicked. Yet from the start, Beth was also very open about the daily anxiety she lives with, especially when using public transport. Compounded by the isolation of Covid, it was seriously impacting the formerly independent, travel-loving 28 year-old.
“My anxiety had been building for a long time and developed into full panic attacks when having to travel by bus,” explains Beth, who lives with her two German Shepherd dogs in the West Midlands. “You don’t always know how employers are going to view mental health issues, but I honestly couldn’t have asked for anything better than Ingeus. Everyone made adjustments for me, my manager would give me lifts, and I accessed cognitive behavioural therapy through the Ingeus employee assistance programme. I had six weekly sessions and was able to get on a bus, it was huge for me.
“When I was promoted and needed to travel between three Ingeus centres, it prompted me to learn to drive. I feel so much more independent now, in work and life. Last year I went on a plane for the first time in five years and I’ve got a foreign summer holiday booked.”
Learning to drive isn’t the only skill Beth has acquired in her four years at Ingeus. Having recently moved into the risk, compliance and assurance team, she’s had three job roles and completed a Level 3 Leadership and Management apprenticeship, funded and arranged by Ingeus. Midway through her 18-month apprenticeship, the sudden break up of her relationship again played heavily on Beth’s mental health:
“We split up a month before our wedding. Everyone was so supportive, really understanding. My studies were actually a good distraction,” adds Beth, who aced the course, gaining a Distinction.
The move to Risk and Compliance Coordinator followed, where Beth gets involved with all aspects of Ingeus’ regulations and standards. From data protection and equipment testing to quality audits and business continuity planning, it’s a varied role that plays to Beth’s skills.
“It’s been a really good move for me. I’m learning so much and that always keeps me motivated and interested,” Beth adds. “I utilise all the organisational, communication, and time management skills I learnt on my apprenticeship and have a great work-life balance. It’s a hybrid role and I never mind driving into the office. I feel like I’m living life again.
“I think being able to move roles during your 20s helps build your career. I’m just really glad I can do so without leaving Ingeus.”
