Friendly place with a fine fireplace

Name: Wendy Bowe

Age: 25

Job: Operating department practitioner (ODP), Edge Hill University.

Background: BSc in psychology at Sunderland University. After university I worked at Carlisle College in an admissions role. I have worked at Edge Hill in an education liaison role across all three faculties of health, education and humanities and social and applied sciences for over three years.

Working hours and conditions: I work full time on a flexible basis. My job includes a lot of evening and weekend work.

Number of staff you work with: I work in a department with seven members of staff and with external agencies such as primary care trusts, local hospitals and strategic health authorities.

Biggest challenge this year: My new role to recruit and promote operating department practice as a career in the Greater Manchester area. The role of ODP professionals - who care for patients undergoing surgery or anaesthesia - is relatively unknown, so recruiting to the course and raising its profile as a great career opportunity has been a challenge.

How you solved it: Liaising with colleagues in the marketing department has helped. I also work closely with the faculty of health and schools and colleges to promote ODP through taster days, and by presenting the benefits of the career to teachers and students.

Worst moment in university life: Having to take extended sick leave for two major operations. I'm writing this as I recover and I'm glad to be able to do something constructive, as boredom really has set in.

What is your working space like? It's open plan and had been used as a lecture room but was converted into an office last year. The decor is very modern but it still has the original Victorian fireplace, which impresses our visitors.

What university facilities do you use? The library, swimming pool and gym. I also go to the student bar on occasion.

Do you socialise with people at the university? I share a house with someone who also works at Edge Hill and another former colleague. Within our department we celebrate birthdays, Christmas and socialise at other times. It has been easy to make good friends at Edge Hill.

Do you interact much with other parts of the university? I liaise with colleagues from other departments particularly the faculty of health, as well as with other academics to promote their areas to schools and colleges.