The Team Behind The Transformations

Team pictured left to right: Jason West, Lee Smith, Mick Cartwright (Head of Premises), Jack Javens, Dean Wilson (Groundskeeper) and John Baldwin.

While the summer holidays were a chance for many to switch off, recharge and enjoy a well-earned break, our Maintenance Team were doing quite the opposite.

Behind the scenes at the William Henry Smith Foundation, they work year-round to keep our spaces safe, welcoming, practical and looking their best. It’s a job that involves plenty of hard graft, problem-solving and getting stuck in. This is a team that makes a huge difference to everyday life across the Foundation.

And this Summer has been a particularly busy one as the team have delivered a number of projects:

A new decking area - providing a fresh outdoor space to enjoy for the students in Lister, surrounded by landscaping

The creation and refurbishment of a new staff wellbeing area and quiet lounge

Moving the sixth form study areas to a new part of our estate

The barn has had a fantastic new look. The barn has to do many jobs - from lunches and assemblies to staff training and external events.
Supporting the installation of newly branded signage installed across the site with electrical work.

Fenced decking area outside Lister
Inside the fenced decking area outside Lister
Staff quiet space / lounge for reflection
The Barn
New staff wellbeing lounge
Residential lounge in Bairstow

There is plenty of labour involved in their work - lifting, building, painting, repairing, preparing and problem-solving.

The Maintenance Team are also supported by our Compliance Team, who play an important role behind the scenes, helping to manage the requirements, checks and processes that come with maintaining and developing our spaces. The support they offer allows the team to focus on what they do best - getting on with the job and getting things done.

The impact of these spaces

And at the heart of all of it are our students. Whether it’s a new place to spend time outdoors, somewhere to study, or simply a building that feels fresh, comfortable and cared for, the aim of their work is to create the best possible environment for everyone.

Lisa King, Head of Central Services, is responsible for much of the planning that happens behind the scenes, working with the team to make sure projects are organised and ready to go.

“There is a huge amount of planning that goes on behind the scenes to make these projects happen, but once the plans are in place, it’s the Maintenance Team who get stuck in and turn those plans into reality."

They work incredibly hard, often in difficult and physically demanding conditions, and they do it with such a positive attitude. They’re always ready to tackle the next job and, somehow, they always manage to do it with a smile. I’m incredibly proud of them and really want people to see just how much they achieve.

Working over the Summer gives the team chance to tackle some of the larger projects that can be difficult to complete when our spaces are full of people. Their work may sometimes go unnoticed, but the results are something that everyone can enjoy.

Mick Cartwight, Head of Premises

“We’re proud to play our part in making the Foundation a great place to be. The holidays give us the opportunity to get stuck into projects that make a real difference, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the spaces looking their best and creating a place we can all be proud to work.”

From the first brushstroke to the final finishing touch, this team takes real pride in what they do.

Thank you to our Maintenance Team for everything you do, often behind the scenes, to keep the William Henry Smith Foundation looking, feeling and working at its very best.