Nicola

Project: Value for Money Analyst.

I’m originally from Birmingham, but I went to University in Durham and when I graduated I stayed in the area because my boyfriend was still studying there. Then when he finished, we both decided that we wanted to stay here because it’s such a great place to live. We’ve actually just bought a house in a really nice village. It’s certainly very different from living in Birmingham – people are always happy to have a chat with you and it feels like there’s a real community spirit. Plus, up here we’re only ever 15 minutes from the countryside, but still next to the coast. To be honest, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else now.

The North East does have its problems. There are high levels of unemployment and deprivation and also a lot of health issues. In a way, that’s what makes this such a rewarding place to be on the ngdp, because I’m tackling really important issues. And because the area is facing such big challenges, there’s a real opportunity to make an impact. Yes, that means I get the chance to push my skills even further and develop professionally by taking on those challenges. But I also get a real satisfaction in achieving my goals, helping communities, and seeing the civic pride that residents have. That’s an incredible feeling.

I’ve completed the scheme now and I’m in middle management as a value for money analyst. I work on creating efficiency savings across local government without reducing the service. Which means I can make sure there’s money to put into new initiatives in the area. The scheme has been invaluable in helping me with my current role. And I also still keep in touch both socially and professionally with my ngdp cohort. There’s a really close network of us in the region, as well as a community of others who are working in the NHS and Civil Service.

It’s funny because when I first graduated lots of my friends headed to the south of the country to start their careers there. Now, lots of them are moving back to the North East. They say it’s to enjoy a better quality of life. I can understand that, and I don’t think they’ll be disappointed.