Meet our people: Sarah
Sarah
Senior Policy Advisor
Workplace Practices
"The work we do here is pretty tangible, you can see the impact it has on New Zealanders."
My work focuses on developing policies that influence workplace practices. The main area I am involved in is the Work-Life Balance Programme. Within this programme I get to juggle a range of different policy and research projects and work with a variety of different people, both within the Department and beyond.
A key part of my role is to develop constructive relationships with external agencies, such as business associations and unions. We meet for formal consultations, but also on an ad hoc basis, which is when we have the most interesting discussions. We also enjoy good access and a high level of engagement with Ministers. When we prepare papers, we sometimes get the opportunity to talk to the Minister in person and work with it all the way through the process. It means you feel like you have played a part the decision making process.
I work with a supportive team; we all get on well and have become friends. I am lucky to work with such a great bunch of committed, interesting, talented people. I know it sounds clichéd, but I really love my team!
