International Women’s Day 2023

ONE MAG: KIMBERLEY, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY FROM WORKING AS A HOUSEKEEPING TEAM MEMBER TO JOINING THE PAYROLL TEAM?

KIMBERLEY: In my role as a cleaner at Norse Group’s Head Office, I interacted and built relationships with staff while setting up meeting rooms. I was often asked if I’d consider an office job. Initially, I thought I couldn’t do it, but with encouragement from Norse, family, and friends, I applied for a payroll administrator role.

OM: WHO HELPED OR INSPIRED YOU THE MOST WHEN YOU DECIDED TO CHANGE YOUR CAREER, AND IN WHAT WAYS DID THEY DO SO?

KD: Sherri Fox in the payroll team is my biggest role model. She started a year before me, also without any prior office or payroll experience. Seeing how far she’d come in that time made me want to achieve the same. I’m fortunate that everyone in the payroll team has guided me on my journey and been a role model in one way or another.

OM: CAN YOU TELL US HOW NORSE GROUP HELPED YOU MOVE AND GROW IN YOUR CAREER?

KD: Norse has been incredibly supportive during my career change and growth. When I started in payroll, had no prior experience. But the team and the entire Head Office were supportive and made me feel comfortable.

Norse gave me the chance to do a three-year Foundation Degree in Payroll Management. This course was a challenge for me as it involved writing assignments and taking exams, something I hadn’t done since high school. Despite my nerves, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. The course and career change have helped me gain knowledge, experience, and confidence. The support from Norse and the payroll team throughout my studies has been amazing. I’ll submit my final assignment soon and look forward to graduating in November 2024.

OM: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY HURDLES YOU FACED WHEN MOVING INTO YOUR NEW JOB AND HOW YOU OVERCAME THEM?

KD: There have been many challenges throughout transitioning into my new role. Just turning on a computer at the start was hard enough! My biggest hurdle was my selfconfidence. Juggling studies with full-time work was demanding and stressful, but the rewards made it all worth it. The positives definitely outweighed the negatives.

OM: THIS YEAR’S INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, WE CELEBRATED THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF WOMEN ACROSS NORSE GROUP. HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR SUCCESS STORY CAN HELP TO INSPIRE OTHERS INTERESTED IN A CAREER CHANGE?

KD: I hope my story inspires others to embrace new opportunities. It’s never too late to switch careers. Norse offers lots of help, support and training, and many people within the business have similar experiences, so you’ll always feel supported on your journey. If you’d asked me in 2019 if I’d be a Payroll Business Partner and a graduate, I would have said no. But here I am!

We’re continuing the positive stories from International Women’s Day and sharing uplifting tales of success at Norse. Kimberley Dunthorne tells us about her remarkable career shift, moving from a housekeeping position at our Head Office to a crucial role as Payroll Business Partner.

WE’RE PROUD TO HAVE AN INCREDIBLY DIVERSE WORKFORCE.

Watch our International Women’s Day Panel, our interview with Chloe Jones from Daventry Norse, read a special interview with Norse Consulting’s Kathryn Ladley and listen to our Shop Talk podcasts!

You deserve a good holiday.

If a little extra cash can turn it into a GREAT holiday, we can get you decked out with an affordable loan covered by FREE Loan Protection.

With payments taken direct from your salary, just talk to the dragon . . . Wherry Dragon Credit Union is a non-profit organisation. Membership costs £1.

SAVINGS AND LOANS FOR YOU www.wherrydragon.org.uk

Celebrating Our People

Awards Dinner at Top of the Terrace, Norwich City Football Club on Thursday, 5 October 2023.

The Award Categories:

Lifetime Achievement Award | Improving People’s Lives Award

Community Champion Award | Self-Development Award

Coaching and Mentoring Award | Team Impact Award

Inspiring Leadership Award | Going Above and Beyond Award

Customer Excellence Award | The CEO Choice Award

ENTRIES NOW OPEN! Visit awards.norsegroup.co.uk or scan the QR code for more details of how to submit your nominations and enter the awards!

AWARDS.NORSEGROUP.CO.UK