In the first in a series of interviews with Community Managers from clubs across the SPL, www.scotprem.com caught up with Craig McManus of Falkirk Solutions, at Falkirk FC.
How long have your worked in your post?
I have been operating Falkirk Solutions @ Falkirk Football Club for 18 months
I have been operating Falkirk Solutions @ Falkirk Football Club for 18 months
What is your professional background/experience?
My background started within Warehouse and distribution, then moving to logistics and business start-up. Before changing career paths to work in welfare to work and community based initiatives. I have now worked in and around the welfare to work sector for 12 years.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the completion of a programme and the changes that it helps to create in so many different people, and how these changes help people improve their own lives.
What is the hardest part of your job?
The hardest part of my job is getting government (local and central) and the people who pull the funding strings to ensure that the monies they use go to programmes and initiatives that not only help people but enable them to help themselves and ensure sustainable progression.
What has been the greatest achievement(s) at Falkirk Solutions?
So far at Falkirk Solutions we have had three achievements. 1. To build programmes that unemployed people WANT to come on! 2. Secure funding capable of sustaining growth and secure jobs and further programmes. 3. Winning the best community initiative this year.
I am sure there will be more to come.
What makes it easier to do your job?
This question assumes a lot! Like my job is EASY! Well the most important part of my life is my family, and helping people, so even though the job is tough sometimes I can always rely on my wife Wendy, and the kids, Michael and Danielle and all the people we have helped to help themselves and the others we will help. This keeps driving me forward.
Where do you see Falkirk Solutions/yourself in three years time?
In three years time I know that Falkirk Solutions will be a centre of excellence for welfare, employment, and lifelong learning. I know that we can build on the work already achieved, and by building solid partnerships and working together we will change so many lives within Scotland.
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