JLP e-zine

a look inside the John Lewis Partnership

Real lives

Kingston's sociable worker

17 February 2012

As Community Liaison Co-ordinator for John Lewis Kingston, Lene Wood's role covers everything from helping families affected by a fire to pitching a plan for a roof garden to London's mayor. But her real passion, she tells us, is recycling - which comes in very handy in her line of work.

Tales from the river bank 11 May 2012Meet Rob Goldsworthy, Head Riverkeeper at the Partnership's Leckford estate.
The weekenders 13 April 2012Meet some of the Partnership's 18,000 Partners who make up the weekend workforce.
Kingston's sociable worker 17 February 2012John Lewis Kingston's Community Liaison Co-ordinator Lene Wood takes care of her community.
Learning curve 20 January 2012The Partnership helps Partners pay for classes in anything from baking to breakdancing.
Mr Ambassador 13 January 2012Waitrose Partner Ashley Bridgwater has a close connection with The Prince's Trust.
Fairy trade organisation 16 December 2011Louise Birchmore works with suppliers in India to produce her fairtrade decorations.
Lead role 02 December 2011The Partnership has strong links with the charity Guide Dogs for the Blind.
In cider trading 25 November 2011A local farm is keeping eight West Country Waitrose shops supplied with the most scrumptious of ciders.
The Specials One 18 November 2011Waitrose Partner Richard Godfrey volunteers as a Special Constable in his free time.
A vine romance 28 October 2011John Lewis Partner Phil Rossi supplies Waitrose with wine from the family vineyard.
The art of giving 14 October 2011John Lewis Newcastle Partner Michael Brown is using his talents and experience to help others.
Quick on the draw 09 September 2011One Waitrose Partner's cartographical skills have earned him the moniker, Mick the Map.
Man of the moment 26 August 2011Waitrose Partner and Indian classical musician Prabhat Rao on performing with Ravi Shankar.
The IT girl 19 August 2011John Lewis Junior Buyer Miranda Mahler mixes fashion with function with iPhone4 and laptop cases.
A leap of faith 12 August 2011Despo Sammoutis jumps in with the Partnership Venture Club as they go 'coasteering' in Wales.
For those in peril 05 August 2011Tim Watson is a driver by day and an RNLI lifeboat crew volunteer in his spare time.
Changing rooms 15 July 2011John Lewis Cheadle's Home Design Advisor is putting the colour back into people's lives.
Guitar man 08 July 2011Partner Christan Slawinski is hoping to hit the big time with his band, The Branco Heist.
Past lives 01 July 2011People from all walks of life - from a vicar to a celebrity booker - work for the Partnership.
A head for steam 21 April 2011Waitrose Partner Bill Tyndall has loved steam railways since he was a small boy.
From here to maternity 18 March 2011Helen Labanya helped save countless lives in her pre-Partnership days in Zambia.
Supporting role 11 February 2011Helen Spencer buys lingerie ranges from basques to brands such as Mimi Holliday and Stella McCartney.
Flexible friends 04 February 2011Partners explain the benefits of part-time employment for them and the business.
Artists at work 21 January 2011Conceptual artist Cecilia Kinnear is one of several Partners who get creative in their free time.
A good fit 14 January 2011Since becoming Sports Buyer, Ben Rogers has overseen the launch of a John Lewis fitness range.
Waitrose trailblazers 07 January 2011Meet the Partners who are on call for their local fire service – even when they're on the shop floor.
Style council 10 December 2010For style advice, John Lewis's Fashion Advisor Amanda Slader gives Gok Wan a run for his money.
Star Partners 26 November 2010A 'Search for a Star' contest is giving TV's X-Factor a run for its money.
Out of Africa 15 October 2010Voluntary work in Namibia made one Waitrose Partner take stock of his life.
Top of the class 01 October 2010Mark Champkins, designs kids' products that combine ingenuity with practicality.
A tasteful talent 24 September 2010John Lewis Kingston Partner Samia Moghal creates art in her spare time.
Meerkat manner 10 September 2010Project Meerkat's Project Manager Ross O'Connor takes a pause from his Reading refurbishment role.
Waynes world 20 August 2010The Vintage at Goodwood festival - created by Red or Dead's Wayne Hemingway - exuded retro cool.
Paws for thought 13 August 2010It's a good dog's life for Golden Retriever Ollie and his owner, Seb Blevings.
The right direction 06 August 2010Meet the Waitrose Partner who's play is part of the Camden Fringe in August.
Jobsons choice 11 June 2010Football fan and Waitrose Partner Victoria Jobson loves the beautiful game.
Twinning formula 23 April 2010Joseph Joseph puts the fun into functional kitchenware – and it's available from John Lewis.
Design for life 16 April 2010Fashion interns are getting a taste of working life at John Lewis's Design Studio.
No ordinary Joe 19 March 2010Joe Casely-Hayford has clothed the likes of The Clash, U2, and now, John Lewis customers.
Luciennes legacy 05 March 2010The work of textile designer Lucienne Day, who died in January, is visible throughout John Lewis.
Mums the word 05 March 2010Every day is Mother's Day at one Waitrose where grandmother, mum and daughter work side by side.
Food for thought 26 February 2010Waitrose's Nutrition Manager advises on topics from palm oil and salt content to 'portion distortion'.
Material girl 26 February 2010Alison Mansell, who created 'that' dress for Samantha Cameron, designs exclusively for John Lewis.
Rosehip's hip 19 February 2010Looking for natural – and ethical – skincare products? Try the new Trilogy range at John Lewis.
Vital donations 06 November 2009Two Partners talk about organ donation as the NHS launches a hard-hitting campaign.
Kitchen sync 06 November 2009Whether you want Quaker or contemporary, John Lewis can make your dream kitchen a reality.
Signing up to PinS 30 October 2009John Lewis gives Partners support for their sporting aspirations ahead of London 2012.
Business as usual 21 August 2009With the support of the business, some remarkable Partners have overcome their disabilities.
A way with words 14 August 2009John Lewis Bluewater Partners get all the news and gossip from their very own magazine.
The making of Mark 10 July 2009A Partner who overcame his autism to provide great customer service has received an award.
Family matters 19 June 2009Joanne Horne meets Partners who can't help bringing their families to work with them.
A caring approach 12 June 2009How does the business help Partners who balance work with caring for a relative or friend?
Meet the mumpreneurs 08 May 2009Claire Scott and Martine Carroll are the mums behind the Pop-In™ real nappy.
Espresso service 27 February 2009John Lewis's new barista exam will ensure that our customers are served damn fine coffee.

Highlight

The football season is a busy time for Victoria Jobson, a trainee manager at Waitrose Barnet and the defensive lynchpin of two football teams: her local side, St Albans Ladies and the Waitrose Barnet five-a-side team.

'I fit my training sessions and games in around my shifts at work and try to arrange weekend shifts for Saturdays so I'm free to play on Sundays for St Albans,' says Victoria. 'I also train with them on Wednesdays, and we try to fit in weekly sessions.'

Football's one of the few women's team sports with professional leagues, with both the UK and the USA taking the beautiful women's game very seriously. In fact, it's the world's fastest-growing sport.

Victoria admits to being a football fanatic – and Tottenham FC fan – having played since she was seven. 'My sister and I wanted to play, so we teamed up with friends to persuade our local club to set up a girls' team. They did, and it's still going.'

So what's best: cheering from the stands or taking part on the pitch? 'To be honest,' says Victoria, 'I always prefer playing and couldn't wait for the season to start!'