For our next edition of our Homegrown Heroes series, we spoke to Annabel Drinkald, a HR Advisor (Systems & Data) at Plymouth Community Homes (PCH).
Annabel lived in Norway for four years and joined the International School of Stavanger in Norway just before year 10 (9th grade) and returned to the UK when she was 18 years old.
In 2015, she began a Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship at a local law firm, and upon its completion she became a receptionist at two separate establishments.
In March 2020, Annabel was successful upon interview for a two-year Level 3 HR Administrator Apprenticeship (learning and development team) at PCH, where she completed her Level 3 HR Support and Level 3 CIPD qualifications across two years.
Following the completion of her apprenticeship in June 2022, Annabel worked as a HR Administrator on a fixed-term contract until October 2022, where she was successful upon interview for the fixed-term role of HR Systems Project Advisor (Learning and Development team) until November 2023.
Annabel greatly enjoyed her role of HR Systems Project Advisor, where she helped to develop a new HR system (Cascade), and it was at this time that she applied for a permanent position of HR Advisor (Systems & Data) at PCH where she was successful yet again.
Annabel said: “When I saw the advertisement for the HR Apprenticeship within the learning and development team at PCH at the end of 2019, it was the first time I had come across this type of apprenticeship, and I thought it sounded extremely interesting. I am so glad I went for it and applied for the apprenticeship, and I am delighted to have worked here ever since.
“I greatly enjoyed my apprenticeship at PCH, and it was brilliant to be able to gain a qualification alongside extremely helpful work experience while getting a paid a good wage which allowed me to save for my future.
“During my fixed-term contract as a HR Systems Project Advisor where I helped to develop the new HR system, I discovered that I like working in this area, so I was delighted when the vacancy for my current role became available and I’m loving every minute.
“I love working at PCH. My colleagues are amazing, and nothing has ever been too much for anyone. My values align with those at PCH, which are care, respect, listen and do the right thing and this is extremely important to me.
“As well as working with excellent staff at PCH, it’s also nice to be able to contribute to the wider work of PCH as Plymouth’s largest social housing landlord and to help our frontline staff carry out their roles effectively.”
Annabel’s manager is delighted that she secured her new position as HR Advisor and looks forward to continuing to support her in her journey at PCH.
Clare Poulter, Senior Business Partner at PCH, said: “It has been wonderful to watch Annabel develop her skills and knowledge within the HR team, especially with Cascade. She is an invaluable member of the HR team, in supporting the organisation by continually developing and improving the system and handling Cascade queries. Some of the original Cascade project team chose to take their new project and digital skills elsewhere, so it was great that Annabel was successful in getting the permanent role and has stayed at PCH.
“Our digital journey continues, and Annabel is now at the centre of helping to improve our people processes. Annabel is also studying for her Level 5 CIPD qualification to continue to expand and develop her HR knowledge further. It’s a privilege to be her manager and see her succeed in her role.”
