One staff member's thoughts on life at Tearfund
There are so many good reasons to work at Tearfund. To start with, you’re working with people who share a vision of serving Christ through development and relief. It’s a real privilege to have colleagues you can freely pray with at work! There’s the common understanding that what we do we’re doing in Jesus’ name – but there’s also the shared belief that he wants us to do that professionally.
This commitment to professional quality and good working practice is what’s made Tearfund a leading charity, well-respected in the relief and development field. I get real satisfaction from Tearfund’s mission values and codes of working – the more I learn about them, the more I respect the vision myself.
Imagine working with people who know things can be changed for those living in poverty – and who are doing something about it. Knowing that God’s love and light can reach to the furthest corners of Afghanistan, Rwanda, Britain, Thailand – to name but a few – is really uplifting.
When you work here you get to hear about all the positive things going on in the world, and there are great things happening! It changes your whole perspective.
The offices are good here, too. They’re in Teddington. I’ve driven in, used the train (the Waterloo train comes right through), come on the bus and cycled. Lots of people cycle here, and Tearfund has a green policy to encourage us. There are also plenty of showers, lockers and a drying room.
We also have a staff restaurant. They do breakfasts, lunches, even afternoon tea! It’s great to be able to relax with colleagues and enjoy a reasonably priced meal together. And if you don’t fancy eating there, Teddington High Street is full of alternatives.
We have a staff council here, and if you have any worries you can go to them. We also have pastoral advisors you can chat with, and a Staff Welfare Fund if you’re having any financial difficulties, although our salary rates are competitive.
Fortunately, Tearfund also believes there’s more to life than work, and a person is more than just their job. This means you’re not expected to work till midnight with no overtime! The offices are open 7.30am-7pm, but the working day is generally 9am-5pm.
You meet some brilliant people here, from all over the world. And of course you get the overseas partners coming in which gives you a real sense of the international nature of our work.
There are loads of opportunities for training here in all sorts of things, from PC issues to improving communication skills!
The people are very friendly and I’ve made some of my best friends here. I’ve also learnt a lot, work-wise, emotionally and spiritually. All in all, it’s a great place to work.