Name: Thomas Bale
Age: 22

Context:
After graduating from university I applied to an internship at the National Trust central office assisting the project manager in the delivery of The Mentor Project. This is a voluntary role working on a specific project to support the work of the National Trust. The Mentor Project was launched in 2007 as part of the 2007–2010 National Trust Strategy.  The objective of the project is to develop new ways of working that will help deliver the strategy and develop learning across the organisation. Although I am based at the central office, property staff all across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will take the lead in this new way of working and the focus will be on achieving results on the ground and fostering innovation and skills development at properties.

What I did:

1. Devised and delivered an internal communications strategy for the Mentor Project including production of content for our staff intranet, publications and email distribution lists.
2. Proactively managed the ongoing meetings calendar for Mentor Groups by working with Mentor Group Leaders to organise meetings of Group members including coordination of dates, venues, agendas etc.
3. Supported the Project Manager in facilitating meetings of Mentor Group members and facilitating group meetings independently where required.
4. Project managed the filming and production of the ‘Mentor Project Video’ shown at the Management & Leadership Conference 2008. I also wrote a project evaluation that drew together survey data and consultants reports.
5. I am currently managing the production of templates for sharing the learning from groups throughout the organisation.

What I’ve learnt:
Formally I am now a trained facilitator and I am responsible for facilitating a number of Mentor Groups. In addition to this I have had the opportunity to gain a large amount of knowledge about The National Trust’s strategy at a senior level. This role has given me an insight into the operations of a leading charity, conservation and heritage organisation and visitor destination. I have had to respond to multiple and changing demands on my time,.working with such a variety of staff e.g. Wardens, Curators, Buildings Managers, Business Analysts, Directors and Volunteers. I have had the opportunity to hone my written and verbal communications skills whilst learning about the broadest range of Trust activities. I have learnt how to be innovative and creative in my approach towards challenges. This role has required that I am self motivated and driven with long periods of independent work.