Job seekers have two very important people to impress on the interviewing panel at the Rosetta Communities of Strathaven and Strathglen – residents Penny Gaunson and Dinah Hazzard. 

Penny and Dinah assist managers with job interviews for new staff at the two sites.  It stands to reason: they’re the people the newcomers will be interacting with daily, so who better to figure out if they’re right for the role? 

Both residents absolutely relish being involved.  Penny loves to get an understanding of the interviewee and enjoys it when she sees them working here.  “I think I pick up on who would be suitable and who cares.   I also get to see how they react to me and if they show empathy and see things from my perspective.”  

Penny enjoys being involved.  “You get a feeling of being included and an added sense of purpose in getting up in the morning” and she says it’s a “great feeling” to see the staff member working at the site. 

Meanwhile Di loves being useful, needed and looks forward to taking part in the interviews. “Hopefully I bring an unbiased opinion to the job interviews.”   She thinks the advantage of residents taking part in the interview process is “because we live here and have first-hand experience and know what we need.” 

Di feels honoured to be asked to take part.  “I had one employee come and thank me after they were hired, and that made me feel really great.” 

People and Culture Workforce Planning Manager Dan Knox says this initiative is also practised at Andrew Kerr Care Community and Kingsville Community.  The initiative came on the back of discussions by the Customer Advisory Body Committee – comprising a mixture of residents and staff. 

“It gives the residents a sense of purpose and of importance,” says Dan.  “It’s a really nice thing to do!”