This Mental Health month we caught up with Commerce Decisions’ Operations Manager and Mental Health First Aider, Alan Elsey. Read the full interview below.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
When and why did you decide to join Commerce Decisions?
I joined the Commerce team in 2015. I decided to join the team due to hearing about exciting growth plans that the business had for its international locations, and how these would develop in subsequent years.
What are your main responsibilities?
As the business has now firmly established its hub locations in Europe, North America and APAC my role has shifted to managing our Compliance and Governance. Primarily, my role is to ensure that we operate in a safe and regulated manner across all departments in line with our ISO27001 and ISO9001 standards.
What is your current focus/priorities?
My current focus is on developing how we further improve our already excellent delivery to our clients. This work involves taking inputs from clients, professional services delivery consultants, along with the sales and client success teams. Any small gains we make can only serve to improve our clients’ interactions with us across all touch points.
What’s involved in your role as Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) and why is this important to you?
My role as MHFA is to be the first line of support to any member of the team that is struggling with any aspect of their mental wellbeing. I act as a signpost for agencies that can offer professional support. Good mental health is vital for us all, particularly against the backdrop of the current pandemic and the unique circumstances this brings. I am passionate about any person being able to discuss how they are doing whenever they want.
What’s one thing you’re learning now, and why is it important?
Under the current “new normal” of exclusively working at home, it is okay not to be available all of the time and to respond to people as and when you can. Setting clear hours of work, so as to not blur the lines of work and home life is also key, along with taking regular breaks away from the desk.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy messing around on the water in my boat and walking my dog on the Downs that back onto the village I live in. The majority of my pleasure though, comes from watching my children grow into wonderful human beings.
What’s an accomplishment that you’re really proud of?
Becoming Chairman of a Youth Football Club is so rewarding. Being able to provide a sporting provision for children in the local area and seeing them make friendships that will last a lifetime is brilliant. The club is going from strength to strength, so much so that we are now one of only a few centres that focuses on developing football for girls. So yes, I am very proud of this!
For more information on Alan’s role as Mental Health First Aider click here.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, there are plenty of resources available worldwide that can help, including:
For more information about the Commerce Decisions team and to explore current vacancies, click here.
