A sales assistant from John Lewis’ High Wycombe store is temporarily leaving her job in the china, glass and gifts department, to work on secondment at The Horse Trust in Speen, Buckinghamshire.

Great Kingshill resident Sue Goodman, 53, has been given an award by the John Lewis Partnership Golden Jubilee Trust, which allows her to work on a paid secondment at the equine charity for six months. Sue has been working at John Lewis’ High Wycombe store for the last 12 years.

“I was delighted to be given this award,” said Sue. “I’ve always had an interest in horses and have regularly visited the Home of Rest with my family. It’s lovely being able to help the charity and spend time with the horses here everyday.”

Staff at The Horse Trust hope to utilise Sue’s customer service skills to learn how they can provide a better experience for visitors. Sue will spend some of her time in the Home of Rest’s visitor centre, where she will welcome visitors and answer their questions.

“Having Sue’s help will make a big difference to the charity,” said Paul Jepson, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust. “As we have limited resources, we don’t have any dedicated staff for the visitor centre. It will be great to learn from Sue what we can do to ensure people get the most out of their visit to the sanctuary.”

Sue will also be helping The Horse Trust organise activities for the school holidays, helping with fundraising, and making presentations to local groups to raise awareness of the charity’s work.

“As my everyday job is on the shop floor, I don’t normally have the opportunity to give presentations or do administration work. It’s great to learn these skills, which I hope to incorporate into my job when I return in the summer,” said Sue.

Staff at The Horse Trust are keen to develop more partnerships with local companies. For more information on fundraising, volunteering or team-building opportunities, contact Susan Lewis, Marketing and Fundraising Manager at The Horse Trust on 01494 488464 or susan@horsetrust.org.uk

The Golden Jubilee Trust (GJT) allows any John Lewis Partner, regardless of age, seniority or length of service, to apply for a full- or part-time volunteering secondment with a UK registered charity for up to six months. For more information visit: http://tinyurl.com/6e5xjf