I got into this by accident - I got talking to another mum at the school gates one day who worked for Edinburgh Napier and told me about their temping register. The rest is history!
I started as a temp at the University at Sighthill, in what was the precursor to the Business School, in 1996 – and never left. I went on to be based at Craighouse before moving to the School of Acute and Continuing Care at Canaan Lane in 2003. I’m now in the School Support Service, supporting the School of Health and Social Care.
Like any job, my current role has its challenges but it keeps me on my toes. The best part of the job is my colleagues, some of whom are great friends. To be honest, I’ve enjoyed all my roles here at Edinburgh Napier – I’ve been very lucky.
Last year, my mum was terminally ill and, in April 2017, was admitted to St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh. On her last day, she was being looked after by one of Edinburgh Napier’s final year student nurses, undertaking her management placement. She not only looked after mum but took outstanding care of us as a family. Her compassion towards me in the final hour and the respect and dignity given to mum was exceptional.
We as a family decided that this needed to be recognised and have funded an award in mum’s name, The Louisa Dingsdale Award, which is presented annually at our School of Health & Social Care graduation ceremony. The recipient has to evidence how they supported a family at a time of crisis. I’m pleased to say the first recipient has been chosen and presented with the award during last week’s graduations.
In my spare time, I watch a lot of rugby union. My husband and I have a good friend who is an international referee, so many exchanges around the validity of refereeing decisions are made – all in good fun.
What might someone be surprised to know about me? I can steer any ship over 100 tonnes… super tankers included!