Great Scot September 2018 Gt Scot_154_September_online | Page 43

Interview: Rebecca Imer
Administration Manager
My role as Administration Manager is predominantly human resources.
This covers recruitment and employment for non-teaching staff, and
assisting in employment matters across the School. Much of my role this
year has been around employment compliance. With our recent work with
the Australian Childhood Foundation accreditation process, it has involved
assisting in standardising processes across the School.
I feel lucky to have a broad role that gives me opportunity to get
involved in operational aspects of the School, and I work closely with other
departments such as ICT in improving systems and processes. Scotch
has a great team of staff who collaborate to bring improvement to many
parts of the School. What I enjoy most is working with people; helping and
supporting them in all aspects of their work life. Scotch has more than 300
permanent staff, and many issues come up both from a work perspective
and in their personal lives. I always have my door open to anyone in the
School.
What aspects of personal and professional development do you
believe are important for Scotch staff?
It’s always important for staff to keep their technical skills up to date,
and Scotch has a high emphasis on professional development. I also
believe that it’s also important to focus on soft skills. It’s useful for all levels
of staff to refresh skills such as communication, resilience, teamwork,
conflict management and continuous improvement; we all get very busy
in our day-to-day work and it can help to have refreshers in these areas.
I believe that in the future adaptability will be a key skill for employees, as
people work longer into their lives and many industries move through strong
periods of change.
What do you do to relax, away from Scotch?
How long have you worked at Scotch, and what was your work
background before coming to Scotch?
I have worked at Scotch for 10 years, first working in Finance and
now in Administration. My background immediately prior to Scotch was
in a personnel role with Myer, which gave me a great background in
employment, industrial awards and payroll; skills I have taken through with
me as I have changed roles at Scotch.
In earlier years I had roles across a range of industries from
superannuation and IT to property. I took a number of years off paid work
while raising our two girls, who are now in their early 20s. During their time
at primary school, I volunteered on parent associations and loved being a
classroom helper. I also assisted a locally-run support group for rare genetic
conditions, which gave me an insight into not-for-profit groups. Now that our
children are young adults I have time to focus back on my career and my
own development.
What are your roles at Scotch, and what do you enjoy most about
your work at the School?
With the fantastic snow season we have had, I have enjoyed weekends
away skiing with my family and friends. I have skied since in my teens and
it is something I really love to do. Most years we aim to get away for a few
weekends or a week. I also love spending time with friends and family. I live
close to the Yarra Valley, which is a great area for exploring nature, relaxing
with a glass of wine at one of the many wineries, or enjoying wonderful food
at the great selection of restaurants.
I know from personal experience, and from supporting staff at Scotch,
that life can change at any moment. So I believe it is important to enjoy life
as much as possible, and I aim to do that as often as I can.
What is your favourite corner of the School, and why?
I remember in my first week of working at Scotch the then Finance
Manager, Hugh Wilson, took me for a walk through boarding up on the
Hill. I was amazed at how wonderful the whole areas was, particularly the
gardens. I still get the same feeling when I walk through that area, and I
enjoy taking new staff for a walk there when I can.
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot
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