NSPCC - Careers - Assistant director

Navigation menu list for sections above the current page: NSPCC Home; What we do

Staff Profiles: Divisional communications assistant; Human resources officer; Management information officer; Administrator, Human Resources; PA to heads of service; Senior consultant; Senior training and development consultant

Helen Abbotts

Assistant director – NSPCC Helpline

What do you do?
I manage the London teams of the 24-hour NSPCC Helpline, the NSPCC Asian Helpline and London Admin team. .

The social work world is a difficult place to be right now - but working at the NSPCC is like a breath of fresh air where your social work values really mean something and you feel you can make a difference and be valued for it. I really like it here. It's one of the few places that people you don't know talk to you in the lift.

Why did you join the NSPCC?
I came from a very small voluntary agency where I ran a family assessment unit where parents had mental health issues. I joined the NSPCC because I was ready for a more challenging role, and I wanted to remain in the voluntary sector where I think the most valuable and creative work with children and families is able to go on. I joined the NSPCC because of its reputation and role and influencing position in safeguarding.

What benefits are there?
Where do you start? It's a nice environment, good conditions - decent annual leave allowance, pension, good access to training - and there are like-minded individuals.

What do you find rewarding about your job?
Improving working practices within the helpline services and supporting the growth and development of staff skills. Working with the excellent staff and helping them to ensure their teams provide a good service to the public calling us. The fact that the helpline takes calls and can respond to children at risk in a real and meaningful way.

What values do you feel are important for working with the NSPCC?
Commitment to children. Flexibility and willingness to go the "extra mile". Understanding that as a charity we have to use the society's money carefully and with responsibility - understanding that this means we have to evidence our effectiveness and have performance management as a useful tool. Transparency - we work in a very open way. Finally, a sense of humour and a "can do" approach.