This month, Fuel Oil News speaks with Jenny Clucas, Secretariat for the Downstream Fuel Distribution Forum (DFDF), to discover how Jenny spends a typical day.
MY ALARM GOES OFF AT…
On a normal day, my alarm goes off at 7.00am. If I have a face-to-face meeting and must travel, it will be 5.30am or earlier.
THE FIRST THING I DO IS…
Some stretching exercises! I try to keep relatively fit with lots of walking and running, both of which I greatly enjoy.
On running days, it’s stretching, kit on and out for a run. The feeling afterwards makes it always worth the effort. Running also helps me to clear my mind; I often solve problems and write tricky emails in my head whilst running.
I PREPARE FOR THE DAY AHEAD BY…
It varies based on whether I am working from home or have meetings to attend.
Generally, I prepare for the day ahead by reviewing my action lists (both my work to-do list and my daily tasks list) and by checking my emails. If I am travelling for meetings, I will have prepared the day before (I am nothing if not organised).
I CAN’T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT…
Taking a shower! I will also check that I have my work phone and personal phone with me.
MY TYPICAL DAY
I work part-time now (3-6 days per month) so there is no typical day for me!
I manage the Downstream Fuel Distribution Forum (DFDF) – a partnership of employers, industry bodies and trade unions – and all its various projects and activities, including the Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) Scheme, working closely with the Chair, Technical Associate and PDP Scheme Manager and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
Over the last 30 years, skills and competence have been key elements of my roles. My role with DFDF centres on health and safety and competence and training in the downstream fuels sector.
As part of this, I work on the maintenance and development of the PDP Scheme and my current focus includes additional training for retail trained drivers, ensuring that all drivers complete their annual training and assessment as well as other DFDF projects, such as forecourt competence and future fuels.
If I am working from home, my working time is a mix of answering email queries, online meetings, progressing projects, drafting papers, as well as planning and preparation for meetings.
Most meetings are now conducted online. I interact regularly with a wide range of stakeholders including the major hauliers, Government Departments, Trade Associations and Unions. The DFDF and PDP Management Group’s meetings, for which I provide the secretariat, alternate between online and face-to-face.
Such meetings will regularly have 20+ attendees, and face-to-face meetings will understandably have more interaction and discussion, which I greatly enjoy (although, I have to remember that I am taking the minutes!).
Other days can include on-site meetings with terminal operators, hauliers and smaller distributors – these are always fascinating, as I get to see the work of the DFDF in practice. Throughout the year, I also represent the DFDF at conferences and exhibitions to promote our work and the understanding of the future strategy and direction of the sector.
I am also still involved in the wider skills world as a judge for Trade Association Skills Awards and very active in my village. I chair our village charity, and I am a member of several groups, including the local choir.
MY MOST MEMORABLE WORK MOMENT…
There are too many great moments over my long and varied career to have a most memorable one. However, with respect to my current role, launching the PDP Scheme in 2014, only 18 months after it was first proposed, was very memorable: an incredible achievement for all concerned and a testament to the commitment, hard work and dedication of all DFDF members!
THE WORST PART OF MY JOB…
There’s no worst part. The role is fulfilling and occasionally challenging, but I love it.
THE BEST PARTS OF MY JOB…
I particularly enjoy the variety of the work and organisations that I interact with. I enjoy meeting new and interesting people, being a very small part of planning for the future of the fuels sector, and the wonderful colleagues I work with.
I RELAX AFTER WORK BY…
My relaxation ideally comes from being outdoors – walking and gardening. I love hiking and hill walking, although Northamptonshire, where I live, is not famed for its major hills. Other than that, after working I like spending time with my step-grandchildren and cooking an evening meal with my husband.
MY FAVOURITE MEAL IS…
Dinner – either just with my husband or with family and friends; there is time to chat and enjoy the meal. It reminds me of times I had in the farmhouse kitchen growing up.
ON MY BEDSIDE TABLE IS…
A clock, lots of reading material and hand cream (essential given the gardening with no gloves).
THE LAST THING I DO EACH DAY IS…
A bit romantic but, kiss my husband goodnight.
I’M NORMALLY IN BED BY…
Usually by 10pm, as I like to have time to read – I always have several books on the go at any one time (a murder mystery, a factual history book, and something challenging). Plus, I am a lark not an owl!
Images supplied by Jenny Clucas, DFDF
