For our next edition of our Homegrown Heroes series, we spoke to Felicity Gaskell, a Senior Business Analyst / Project Manager in the Innovation & Transformation (Digital & IT) team at Plymouth Community Homes (PCH).
Before joining PCH, Felicity worked in customer facing and administrator-based roles, which included providing support to apprentices. She also gained qualifications to develop her skillset and progress her career, which included the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (previously known as PTLLS).
In 2016, Felicity was looking for a new position and challenge, which led her to apply for a role at PCH following a staff recommendation, joining as an Administrator in the Project Support Team on a six-month fixed term contract. At the end of the six months, Felicity was then successful in applying for a permanent Administrator Support role in the Learning and Development team at PCH.
Within this role, Felicity was able to use her skills of working with apprentices and built on her existing knowledge as she progressed, enjoying engaging with staff and apprentices at external events across the city. She was supported by the HR team to complete her level 5 CIPD Associate Diploma which allowed her to apply for the position of HR Advisor where she remained for 3 years.
In September 2022 an exciting internal secondment opportunity to become a Project Manager / Business Analyst came available, and she was supported by the Learning and Development team as she progressed into this position. In this role she worked in both the Repairs and Digital and IT teams, working on a number of large challenging projects which highlighted her capabilities as a Project Manager.
In January 2025, Felicity received confirmation that she had met the requirements of a development plan and moved into her current position as Senior Business Analyst / Project Manager in the Innovation & Transformation (Digital & IT) team.
Felicity said: “I have always had high aspirations and been driven to progress my career, I love learning and challenging myself, and PCH has made this possible for me, which I couldn’t be more grateful for.
“Whenever there have been any opportunities to progress or find out more about different areas of the business, I’ve taken the chance to get involved. The support and encouragement I have received to do this has been amazing, which is a real credit to the organisation.
“It feels a real privilege to be able to not just improve different areas for staff, but to benefit our residents through the wider work that is done, and it feels good knowing that I am helping to make a small difference through the work I do.
“I would always recommend PCH as a place to work, highlighting the many positives of working here which include the supportive nature of all staff and the generosity to give their time to help others as well as the friendly and positive atmosphere of the workplace.”
Sarah Dawson, Digital & IT Project Management Office Manager, said: “I'm really pleased that Fliss has been recognised as a Homegrown Hero!
“Fliss has made a significant impact in the Digital & IT team over the past two years and has been a brilliant addition to our team. She brought with her a wealth of knowledge from her experience working in various departments across PCH which has really helped to deliver some key projects, especially the Building Safety Act.
“She has been incredibly eager to learn and develop her Project Management and Business Analyst skills, always striving to support change across PCH. She consistently follows the PCH values in everything she works on and is dedicated to ensuring that we deliver better processes to benefit both our colleagues and residents. Her enthusiasm and commitment make her a true asset to our team.”
