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Tracey Vallis-Horn - Security Officer

At NTU, we listen to our employees – it’s important that they get their work-life-balance right. Our campuses are open all year round but Tracey still has a working pattern that suits her.

    NTU offers job security, in-house training and ways to improve yourself if you want to progress your career.

    I was asked to join the NTU Security Department as they recognised how engaging and supportive I was and thought that I would bring a wealth of experience to the department. It was when my wife, Cheryl, secured a role in the department that I decided to apply too. My previous role at UPP helped me to understand how important a positive first-time experience is for university students – I wanted to make a difference at NTU and help make this happen. I knew that NTU was a very progressive, forward-thinking and supportive organisation, which was an organisation I wanted to be a part of. There is job security, provision of in-house training and self-development support for if you want to progress within the organisation.

    I have been in my role since 2018 and my core duties include ensuring the security and safety of all buildings, staff and students on all three campuses. I have to be proactive and customer service focussed. NTU Security are here 24/7, 365 days a year, to help and assist staff, students, members of the public and contractors.

    During my time here, I know I have grown in confidence with the help of my fellow officers. In particular, I get a great deal of job satisfaction from being in the graduation security team. I also enjoy the variety; no two days are the same. I feel like I have a positive impact on the students I encounter.

    My department have supported me with shifts that ensure a better work-life balance for me, which is wonderful for my mental health and wellbeing.
    Tracey Vallis-Horn cropped

    Outside of our normal jobs, my wife and I have had a proactive role volunteering with the Sustainability Team, where we help to look out for wildlife around Clifton Campus. Recently we discovered two urban badger sets in a secret location in the City, which the Nottingham Wildlife Trust didn’t even know existed.

    As I work in the Security Department and due to the nature of my job, my working hours are not flexible and I’m not able to work from home, which comes with the territory. However, I was able to change my shift patterns during the pandemic, where I’m now able to work alongside my wife on the same shifts.

    My work-life-balance is now much better because we have the same days off, this has been wonderful for our mental health and wellbeing.

    I truly believe that no matter who or what your role is at NTU, we are all treated the same, and this is what makes NTU a special place to work.