Getting stuck in: What I learned from a day with the team
During one of the busiest weekends of the year for Warwick Accommodation, Sioned Cash, Interim Director of Staff & Student Accommodation, spent time with her teams gaining first鈥慼and insight into the physical demands and fast pace of turning around approximately 2,000 rooms (including bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens) at the end of this academic year.
鈥淭oday I swapped the office for a cleaning trolley.
This weekend is one of the biggest operational moments of our year. Following student departures, we're turning around approximately 2,000 rooms (including bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens) in just one weekend, ready to welcome our summer conference guests and students arriving for vacation stays.
It's been a long time since I've worked alongside the team on the ground. Years ago in a previous role, we all rolled our sleeves up and got stuck in as a matter of course, and while it's no secret that cleaning has never been my favourite activity, I genuinely enjoyed being back alongside the people who make this operation happen.
More importantly, it was an opportunity to reconnect with the reality of the work. To experience first-hand the physical demands, the pace, the challenges, and the pride that our teams bring to every room they prepare.
The day reminded me that leadership isn't just about making decisions from behind a desk. It's about understanding the day-to-day experience of your teams, listening, learning, and never losing sight of what it takes to deliver excellence.
I'm incredibly proud of our accommodation and cleaning teams. The scale of what they achieve in such a short space of time is remarkable, and the quality they deliver under pressure is a testament to their commitment, professionalism, and teamwork.
I finished today with an even greater appreciation for the incredible people I have the privilege of leading. I learned a lot, and I'm so glad I took the opportunity to work alongside such a passionate and dedicated team.
Thank you to every member of the team for everything you're doing. You're making an enormous difference, and it doesn't go unnoticed.鈥�
As the academic year ends and we clear our accommodation, we鈥檙e running the Donation Drive to make sure unwanted items go to good use. We鈥檙e looking for volunteers to help collect and sort donations for local charities. If you can spare a little time, your support would make a real difference 鈥� you can sign up to volunteer with Donation Drive here.