Natalie Goddard’s Story
Having worked at this firm since 1997 starting as an office junior to head of department I have felt comfortable, appreciated and listed to. If I have any concerns work or otherwise, I have felt that I have support from the firm. Over the years I have seen a lot of changes and staff come and go and I cannot see that I would want to work anywhere else.
It is important to get along with everyone that we work with, and Pearson Hards does have a very comfortable and friendly feel. From my experience any issues I have had over the years have been addressed without any delay or question and for me personally starting where I did, having children, coming back re-qualifying and being felt like I am a valued member at PH for me makes this the best place to work.
Pearson Hards I believe provides a very personal service to clients. As the client can speak to the person handling the file or their assistant they always receive a consistent response to questions or advice being given rather than going through to a team where someone different is picking up the file each time. Clients also still like to have that personal touch and come into the office either by appointment or otherwise to speak to someone or drop documents off. In my department we always go and meet the clients when they come in and often they just like to put a face to a name. I feel that each client is very much looked after from the start to the finish of their matter/transaction.
I personally came to PH in 1997 as a school leaver. After starting off as the office junior, then being offered a secretarial role, I was encouraged to attend college to do a Licensed Conveyancer course. I did leave around 2004 after qualifying due wanting to start a family. I have only ever worked at one other firm during that time for a year.
After taking 6 years off work to bring up the children I called PH and asked if I could come back, and they did not hesitate. They allowed me to work the hours that would fit around my timetable. Due to the time that had lapsed, PH offered to pay again for me to re-sit my exams and encouraged me to obtain my Licence to practice again which I did during Covid. I was then offered a new role and more recently Head of Department.
Following my recent role change as Head of Department, due to my initial concerns with having the ability to do so, the partners have been supportive in listening to my concerns and being on hand to offer advice as and when I need this. Due to a recent change in the team in my department the partners were very supportive in making sure we got replacement assistants to assist with the workload swiftly.
I have regular meetings with the Partners and also the team in my department where we would constantly chat about what is working well and what we can do to ensure improvements can be made. These are always followed up and generally dealt with as soon as they can be. We are always discussing ways to work more efficiently and limit any risks in the work we do.
We have annual staff gatherings in the summer and Christmas thanking staff for their work throughout the year. Individuals praise is acknowledged by the Partners when the clients have provided their feedback and emails are sent to the firm naming those individuals. As a fee earner when targets are met, this is acknowledged.
Natalie Goddard
Licensed Conveyancer