Sector Spotlight: Joanne Bamford, Community Sports Officer

​This week’s Sector Spotlight is on the Leisure and Sport Industry. Today we hear from Joanne Bamford who is a Community Sports Officer with Orkney Islands Council.
 
Joanne has worked in Scotland and America in various sports roles before she moved to Orkney to continue her journey in the sector.

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Can you describe a typical day in your job?
 
My typical work day can vary from day to day. I can be office based, I can be out visiting clubs at their training sessions or it can be a mixture of both.
 
How did you end up in your current role?
 
I left school at 16 and went to college to do a health and fitness course, I also worked as a Leisure Development Assistant with a local authority.
 
I then spent some time working seasonally in America as a Football Coach.
 
After a few years I went back to college and obtained an HND in Sports Development with Coaching and then attended 3rd year of University to obtain a BA Sports Coaching with Development with Merit.
 
I then went back to working in America for a while before moving home where I worked in leisure facilities.
 
I then relocated to Orkney, working as a Leisure Assistant before finding the role as Community Sports Officer with Orkney Islands Council.
 
What is the best thing about your job?
 
I like that my job can be different each day. I also like working with a wide range of people including sports clubs, facilities and governing bodies.
 
What is the worst thing about your job?
 
I wouldn’t say there is a worst area of my job. Like any job there are challenges to overcome but I just take it in my stride.
 
What skills do you need to undertake your role?

• Good communication skills;
• Organisational skills;
• Work as part of a team;
• IT Skills.

 
What qualifications do you have?

• BA Sports Coaching with Development
• Emergency First Aid at Work
• In Safe Hands
• Scottish FA Children’s Award
• Scottish FA Coaching footballers with Disabilities
• Scottish FA Goalkeeping Level 1
• Scottish FA Child Wellbeing
• Boccia Leaders

 
And many more.
 
Would you recommend this job to young people, if so why?
 
A Job in Sport is very rewarding. I worked as a Coach, Leisure Assistant and now as Community Sport Officer. I have thoroughly enjoyed working in each area of sport as it can take you down more than one route.
 
 
You can visit Orkney Islands Council on their:
 
Website – https://www.orkney.gov.uk/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OICUpdates/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/orkneycouncil

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