International Women’s Day – Sarah Walker

This International Women’s Day we’re amplifying the stories of local women who are leading the way in their industries. We spoke to Sarah Walker, Head of Development & Delivery at Tees Valley Combined Authority, to find out about her career.

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What’s your name, where are you from, and where do you work?

I am Sarah Walker, I grew up in the Redcar area and currently live in Marske-by-Sea with my husband, two young children and our dog Dexter. My job title is Head of Development & Delivery at Tees Valley Combined Authority.

What does your day-to-day role involve?

My team develops the large-scale projects we deliver through Combined Authority investment and makes sure robust plans are in place that answer ‘Why’ these projects will make a difference for Tees Valley, ‘What’ we will deliver, and ‘How’ we will deliver it.  We secure investment to deliver these plans from a range of sources and assist the Combined Authority to make informed decisions that make sure we are providing value for money.  My day-to-day role involves a lot of talking (which I am very good at!) and generating, capturing, and developing ideas. This involves extensive partnership working with Local Authorities, Universities, Businesses and Government. I also provide a lot of advice and guidance to colleagues at TVCA.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The thing I enjoy the most is helping people take a concept through to a project that secures funding, is delivered on the ground and when we can see it making a difference. Whether that is to the physical appearance of Tees Valley or to individuals who access support with skills and employment. I often point out projects to my children when out and about in the local area that I have worked on which they find fascinating. I truly believe the work we do is making a difference to the future of our place ‘Tees Valley’.  I also thoroughly enjoy helping others identify their strengths and develop their skills and confidence.

How did you get started in your career?

When I left school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I wanted to earn some money, become independent and use my strengths that had come through at school, business studies (thank you Mrs Jackson), IT, and my organisational and people skills. So, I did a Youth Training Scheme (YT in those days, I am showing my age!) an apprenticeship these days, in Business Administration. I completed my NVQ Level 2 & 3, got a full-time job as a business administrator and bought my first house. My manager at the time, noticed my potential and encouraged me to study for a degree in Business Management at Teesside University whilst working. This took me 6 years on an evening at Teesside University. Working whilst studying was the hardest thing I have done but also the best thing for me as I learn by ‘doing’ and ‘seeing’ so I could apply the knowledge to real life situations at work. Before this I had never considered going to university.

I have worked my way up through a range of business administration and support roles, business planning and performance, management and then investment, all have been in a partnership setting where working with a wide range of different people from different professions was essential. I have used both my practical skills and academic knowledge to work my way up to a Senior Management level and since completed a Chartered Management Institute Level 7 qualification in Strategic Management & Leadership.  There is always more to learn and try and I love a challenge.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

Leading on the development of the Business Case for the purchase and redevelopment of the Teesworks site, the largest regeneration site in the UK (the former site of the Redcar Steelworks). This was a new approach for both TVCA and Central Government as we worked together in partnership to develop the case. A complicated site with many constraints and challenges that needed explaining and planning for. The result secured TVCA local ownership of the site with significant investment from Government to decontaminate and remediate the land ready for future development. I received personal feedback from colleagues in Government that expressed that the clarity of the case had contributed significantly to the final investment decision. Seeing the progress on site and hearing about the large companies who are moving there and creating jobs for future generations is very rewarding.

I am also very proud to be a Board Member for the Redcar Town Deal, advising on investment of £25m, as my first job at 15 years old was selling ice creams and candy    floss on the sea front!

This International Women’s Day, what would your best piece of advice be to a young person just starting out on their journey?

Work hard, ask questions, and listen (no such thing as a stupid question!). Find something that makes the best use of your natural abilities and believe in yourself.  I often push myself out of my comfort zone, get involved and go the extra mile, which has meant I have continuously developed both personally and professionally. There is always more to learn no matter what position you are in!