Tanina Sheath – Service Manager – ‘Greater Manchester Working Well: Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care’ service
Tanina started her career in the welfare-to-work/employability sector in 2003, working as an Admin Assistant for a range of legacy New Deal programmes. From the beginning of her career, Tanina’s passion for helping people was apparent, and she would always be on hand to support customers with advice, practical support and help on their job search journey.
Tanina quickly progressed to Administration Manager and in 2008 became a fully-fledged Employment Coach, supporting customers from the ages of 19-65 to overcome their barriers and move back into meaningful employment.
Shortly after starting her career, Tanina found out about GC (Work Solutions at the time), a provider Tanina had always viewed as the one to work at, and eventually began working here in 2012, as an Employment Adviser on the Work Programme. Soon after joining us, Tanina knew that this was where she wanted to stay and, after returning from maternity leave, moved into a ‘2nd Jobber Adviser’ role on the Work Programme, a role that Tanina loved due to its fast-paced nature, and one that she quickly made her own.
Tanina then worked in employer engagement for a period, before moving into a range of GC programmes in the Salford area, including Work Choice, Salford Health Works and as a Lead Adviser on the Work and Health Programme.
In 2019, just before the pandemic hit, Tanina moved into an Integration Co-ordinator for the Work and Health Programme, which helped her to develop strong connections and links with Jobcentre Plus, Salford City Council and a range of other stakeholders and partners, as well as, in Tanina’s own words, developing Tanina as a person, and leading her to feel ready to take the next step into management.
Tanina moved into a Team Manager and Performance and Delivery Manager role on the JETS (Job Entry: Targeted Support team), supporting large numbers of people across Salford, Manchester and Trafford into work. Tanina was also awarded the Best JETS Manager award across Greater Manchester.
When the JETS contract came to an end, Tanina moved onto pastures new for a short time, working as VCSE Learning, Skills and Work Programme Manager at Salford CVS, helping to support the hardest to help people in Salford back into learning, skills and work. After 6 months away from GC, Tanina successfully applied for a Service Manager role on the new Greater Manchester IPS in Primary Care service.
Tanina commented, "I have truly had an amazing time at The Growth Company. I have felt valued as a colleague and been presented with so many great opportunities. I have worked for some fantastic managers, including Natalie Sanlon, Janice Larkin, and I do have to give a special mention to my current manager Rochelle Seddon, who has been the biggest supporter and mentor to me, and I wouldn’t be the manager I am today if it weren’t for her ongoing advice, leadership and support. So, thank you to GC and everyone I have ever worked for or with."