Contact:
AEGON Lochside Crescent
0131-549 3541 or 07740 897 308
helen.syme@aegon.co.uk

Job/position:
Corporate Responsibility Manager, AEGON Property Services

What does your job with AEGON involve?
I look after the "people" side of Corporate Responsibility, our community and charity activities. This involves supporting our charity collectors across the UK, the AEGON Charity Committee and Lytham Charity Committee and our employees who take part in fundraising for charity. As part of our work in the community, I work in partnership with the Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust and the City of Edinburgh Council to support the AEGON Breakfast Club initiative.

What do you like best about it?
I enjoy the variety of activities and projects that AEGON and our people are involved in. Seeing a suggestion "to do something different for our employees" turn into the very successful AEGON Charity Fun Day has been a highlight.

What do you think makes you good at it?
I can juggle! There are usually a number of different projects on the go at any one time. So, being able to jump from one subject to another, while still keeping an eye on deadlines and priorities, is invaluable. I also need to be aware of other projects and activities across AEGON so have developed good working relationships across the UK. I've worked for AEGON since 2000, spending most of that time in HR, so I have an understanding not only of AEGON policies but also the procedures used to administer these policies.

How can you use this strength to benefit/help our members?
I've been able to use my HR experience to help in a number of areas, not only directly supporting our members, but collectively when I've been involved in consultations with the company or reviewing company policies. I also think the work I've done and the relationships I've built with charities and not for profit organisations have helped me to become more compassionate and consider the impact a situation or issue can have on a member.

What's the most important thing about being a union Rep as far as you're concerned?
I think it's about being part of an organisation that can make a difference. As Aegis Reps, we can make a difference by making sure our members are treated fairly and their opinions are considered whenever AEGON makes decisions.