Bidding a fond farewell to Julie Penn after seven years on the team

Julie Penn, one of our Progression Coaches from Swindon and Wiltshire, has spent the last seven years with us supporting young people to realise their potential. We are now bidding a fond farewell to Julie as she embarks on new adventures in her retirement. 

As we send our best wishes to Julie, we only thought it would be right to shine our spotlight on Julie’s brilliant work throughout her time as a valued member of our team.  

What did you do before coming to Villiers Park? 

My early career was in the Insurance Industry, where I progressed to become the Insurance Claims Manager for the WHSmith Retail Group. However, after having children I decided that I needed a better work-life balance and chose to work part-time and within sectors that were more aligned to my interests and values.  

Before joining Villiers Park, I spent several years working with SEND pupils within schools and at a local Further Education College.   

What does your role with Villiers Park entail and what has been your biggest project? 

As a Progression Coach, I run sessions in schools with young people from under-represented backgrounds to help them improve their skills and achieve their goals and ambitions.  

I have supported some amazing Leadership Challenge Projects. At one of the schools that I work in, a group of Future Leaders wanted to set up a drama club as, at the time, this subject was not taught at their school. They approached one of their teachers to ask if she would be happy to lead and promote, what proved to be an extremely popular weekly drama club.  

What is your favourite part about your job? 

Working directly with our Future Leaders is my favourite part of the job. Seeing them grow in confidence and develop the skills that they need to achieve their goals is truly inspiring.  

I also have fond memories of the residentials and staff development days that used to be held at our Foxton premises.  

Do you have any retirement plans? 

I’m planning to do lots of travelling and have booked a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, which I am really looking forward to. I’m also planning to spend more time with my friends and family, including a new grandson who is due in January.  

A piece of advice for Future Leaders past, current and future: 

Follow your passion but remember that sometimes you may need to take a different path to get to where you want to be.  

A message to my colleagues past and present: 

I would like to say thank you for being such a lovely kind caring team. I have had lots of different jobs over the years and working for Villiers Park has been one of my favourite positions.  

A message from Karen, Programme Coordinator for Swindon and Wiltshire: 

“I'm sad to say goodbye to Julie this month. Julie joined the Villiers Park Swindon team a few months after I did and we travelled together to Foxton, Cambridge during her first week for our first pre-Christmas Development Days. This was my first time driving on the M25 and Julie was an excellent navigator. 

We have run/attended workshops, launch events, residentials and celebration events together over the last seven years and it has been fun to work with her. It has also been lovely to hear feedback from the Future Leaders she has worked with. 

I look forward to hearing about her retirement travels and new adventures. We hope she will join us at our Celebration Event in July 2025.” 

From everyone at Villiers Park, we wish Julie a wonderful retirement filled with adventure and joy. We thank Julie for everything she has achieved through her time on the team, no doubt having a great impact on many Future Leaders.