It’s time for the third in our blog series introducing some of the team that we have working with us here at Develerate.

Introducing Claire Elmugadam*:

Q: Hi Claire you’re the Quality Manager at Develerate, what made you decide to take this role?
A: I first had contact with Lucy just before the start of the pandemic, we clicked instantly. I believe in what Lucy wants to achieve and she shares the same passion with regards to training and development as I have, so it made perfect sense to come and work with her to support her achieve her objectives. These are exciting times of Develerate and I am so pleased to be part of them.

Q: What does your job involve?
A: Working with Lucy on the curriculum development and design, insuring quality assurance processes are in place, are maintained and robust to meet the award body expectations. It is also ensuring the students receive a high-quality service of teaching and learning sessions. Working with students to enhance their learning journey and supporting them to develop new skills, knowledge and key behaviours within management and leadership.

Q: What experience and skills do you bring to your role?
A: I have working in the education sector for over 25 years, in various roles as tutor, internal verifier, and contract and performance management. I believe I have a wealth of knowledge to bring to Develerate. I have a degree in Business Management, teaching/verification qualifications and can also teach English as a second language.

Q: You started out working in retail management, what made you decide to become a trainer?
A: I was completing a Level 4 Management and Leadership apprenticeship and my assessor at the time encouraged me to apply for a position within their organisation. I did, was successful and now here I am 25 years later!

Q: What’s your favourite thing about working with people?
A: I love working with people, I personally learn a lot from other people’s knowledge and experience, and this motivates me to continue to learn. I am a big believer in lifelong learning! I love seeing people stretch and challenge themselves and achieve things they never thought they could. I also love to talk to people, I am very much a people person.

Q: What has surprised you most about this kind of work?
A: The diverse range of individuals I work with. What people can achieve if they put their mind to it, work hard and give commitment to what they want to achieve. The opportunities for development are endless!

Q: Are there any challenging aspects to your role? How did you overcome them?
A: Time! I wish I had more time to do everything that I need/want to achieve. My to do list is always full!!! However, I believe the key to this is to be very organised, and being disciplined with yourself. There is only so many hours in a day.

Q: What motivates you?
A: Seeing people achieve a recognised qualification, seeing them develop new skills as well as softer skills like confidence, motivation, academic reading…. No two days are the same, that’s what gets in out of bed in the morning. New challenges!

Q: What would you say to anyone thinking of signing up for our courses, coaching or training?
A: Do it! The first step is always the hardest, but it gets easier. Never stop learning, you will be surprised at what you can learn/achieve and how it can really help your career, employers are now more than ever looking for individuals that have management and leadership qualifications, but also for individuals that can show they are committed and are eager to learn.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
A: Spending time with my family, I have two boys that are always inspiring me! I love to travel and visit new countries; I love the Middle East. Just wish I had more time to do it more. I also love reading, anything girlie!

*We hope to have a photo of Claire to go with this post soon!

Read our other meet the team blog posts