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Bernie

A new working life began at forty plus for Bernie Edwards.

After thirty years in the building trade, he changed career direction and joined Hertfordshire County Council as foreman of the porter’s team at County Hall.

Now, 15 years on and approaching his 65th birthday, he has worked his way up the ladder, is now Senior Facilities Supervisor and hasn’t even thought about retirement.

“I’ll definitely be carrying on working after 65,” he said. “I like my job because I like working with people. There are never two days the same here. That’s what I enjoy.”

Bernie’s job brings him into contact with almost everyone who works at or visits County Hall. Whatever they need – from identity badges for new staff and visitor’s passes to setting up meeting rooms or getting equipment and furniture shifted in offices moves – Facilities will fix it.

Adaptability is the name of the game as far as Bernie’s concerned. He reckons that the council’s diversity strategy is a good idea. “We ought to be keeping up with the real world. We’ve got a diverse population so that’s what the workforce should be.

“Times change and you have to change with them. That’s what it’s about – adapting to different people as you would expect them to adapt to you. And if you’re not adaptable, you get nowhere.”

“Nobody treats me any differently because I’m older than they are. They never have – and I wouldn’t expect them too. There’s always been a friendly atmosphere here.”