Spotlight: Administrative Assistant Angharad Linnard
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) CRN South London Administrative Assistant Angharad Linnard shares her pride in supporting the scientific community during a global pandemic. The aspiring author also talks about writing a novel while working full time.
The aim of this monthly spotlight blog series is to celebrate, highlight, educate and inform the public about the diverse range of people who support vital research studies from within our region. We are proud of everyone who plays their part in contributing to improving the health of the population.
What do you do?
I am an Administrative Assistant who supports the Network through a variety of tasks, such as: ordering equipment; sorting out paperwork; minuting meetings; processing invoices; and much more. Each day is different and I really enjoy my job; CRN South London is the best organisation I have worked for so far in my career. Recently, I have been supporting the communications function one-day a week and have learned some new skills. I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to work alongside our Communications Manager in a new area.
When did you join CRN South London?
Previously, I worked as a Reception Services Administrator for the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre. The Administrative Assistant role was vacant within the CRN and I decided to apply for it. I felt working for the Network would give me access to new opportunities and the chance to grow as an individual. My role involves working alongside our Acting Office Manager with whom I have a really good working relationship. My message to anyone considering a career in research is to apply for a role at CRN South London: you will have the chance to work with amazing colleagues who are really invested in one another’s wellbeing.
What are you interested in?
I like reading, writing, watching films and TV, as well as listening to music. I enjoy producing my own music. I’m a singer and I used to be in a band. I have a degree in Audio Production from the School of Audio Engineering Institute London. In February of last year, I performed at the Wave Collective: an LGBTQ+ Literary Showcase, in which I read a chapter from my novel, provisionally titled Gravel Hill, which is a cross between mystery and crime. The experience was invaluable to me as a writer. The audience were supportive and attentive which helped to calm my nerves.
Why are you involved in research?
Research is essential, in my opinion, to how we adapt and progress as humans. It is wonderful to support the scientific community in these trying times and to ensure that colleagues have the administrative support they need. I have always loved the scientific method and in the future, I’d like to get involved in the practicalities of delivering studies.
Why is research important?
The work of researchers shines a light on misunderstood and novel diseases and can identify treatments that benefit people with health conditions. It is exciting to work in a diverse region as part of a Network that transforms lives for the better. People who are considering taking part in research can visit the NIHR’s Be Part of Research online service to find out more about studies taking place in their area.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
