Gemma Banks, Barhale’s Third Party Liaison Officer in the Northern Region, brings a wealth of transferable skills and experience from both the recruitment and insurance sectors to her new role. She began her Barhale journey in May 2023, initially working part-time on reception, by December 2024, she had progressed to a Technical Project Administrator role and more recently, stepped into her current position – an exciting move that reflects both her growth and opportunities available within the business.

Why Barhale?

When asked what attracted her to Barhale, she didn’t hesitate; “it was the culture. It just felt like the right place to develop and grow and to work with people who genuinely care.” Gemma first discovered Barhale through a recruitment campaign and was immediately drawn in by the positive impression she got from the business and how the company’s values aligned with her own.

Life as a Third-Party Liaison Officer

Since taking on the role, Gemma has been making waves on several projects, focusing on everything from customer liaison to community engagement. Her day to day involves:

• Managing KPIs
• Stakeholder engagement
• Supporting community initiatives, including donations and school outreach
• Arranging site visits for local councillors and residents
• Collaborating with site teams on traffic management and road closures
• Organising staff medicals and overseeing van logistics

Gemma readily admits that every day brings something new and she thrives on the variety and sense of purpose the role offers.

Community engagement and giving back

One of the standout moments so far has been during the Christmas period, when she helped coordinate efforts across multiple areas to support families in need. From working with the Trussell Trust and Food Cycle to directly helping local families. Enthusiastically, Gemma describes it as “the best part of the job – being able to give back.”

Support and mentorship

Gemma credits her smooth transition into the role to the people around her. “The support that I have received has been amazing,” she says, “Jo Price has always pointed me in the right direction throughout my time in Barhale, including informing me about the Third Party Liaison Officer role and encouraged me to apply as she felt I would be a good candidate for the role. Luana Bills has also been a fantastic support and has provided me with extensive guidance as well as my line manager, Matt Morley.”

The support that Gemma has received from her line manager and wider team is reiterated by Matt Morley (Framework Manager, Northern Region):

“Gemma has made a great impact, taking up the mantle, providing customer relations for our projects and a heavy community engagement role ensuring Barhale are well represented to our clients and the general public.  Gemma has overseen our ongoing engagement with Food Cycle and Trussell Trust, whilst continuing our annual partnership with the Giving Tree.

Further community works with Fegg Hayes (in the Stoke region) during delivery of our Cumberbatch and Etruria schemes have been well received as have the projects with Diamond Families farm initiative. Gemma will continue to deliver these projects whilst growing into her new role and has the support of myself and the wider team.”

Looking ahead

While Gemma is enjoying her role right now, there is a clear interest in developing the role even further. “I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to further develop this role as the region continues to grow, lead and develop the role into a team within the Northern Region in the future.”

Outside of work

Away from the office, she is a dedicated mum of two daughters, who are active in competitive dance. “I’m a full-on dance mum,” she laughs. When time allows, she also loves to travel – her upcoming trips to Krakow and Malta being the highlights.

Gemma wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Barhale to others. “It’s a people-focused company. They really value their staff and make sure we feel supported and appreciated. It’s just a great place to work.”