Janice Hadfield

Having already qualified as an accountant through the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Janice was motivated to continue advancing her professional skills.

The apprenticeship journey

Choosing to take on an apprenticeship wasn’t just about adding another qualification, it was about stretching herself further.

Building skills and confidence

One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was developing her writing style. The process of essay writing, report structuring, and applying evidence taught her how to present information more clearly and persuasively.

“Writing the essays was tough at first, but I learnt how to expand my ideas and provide detail. That skill has been vital for my role, especially when writing reports for senior leaders and Cabinet members.”

This new confidence played a direct role in her career progression. Janice credits the apprenticeship with giving her the belief to step into the Head of Finance role, knowing she had the skills to succeed.

Leading with confidence

As Head of Finance at Derby City Council, Janice Hadfield is responsible for leading a team of professional finance officers, ensuring the Council meets statutory obligations while providing high-level strategic support. Her role spans a wide remit from advising Chief Executives and Strategic Directors to reviewing the Council’s revenue budgets and assessing the financial implications of national and local policy developments.

“No two days are ever the same. One moment I could be advising on a Cabinet report, the next I’m presenting budget findings to senior leaders. It’s a role that demands agility, accuracy, and confidence.”

Advice for future apprentices

For Janice, the apprenticeship has been transformative, blending technical expertise with practical confidence. She has no hesitation in recommending the University of Derby’s apprenticeship programmes:

“The skills I learnt have given me the confidence to progress in my career. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship - it’s a challenge, but one that really pays off.”

Looking ahead

Despite challenges such as balancing study with the pressures of Covid and local government budgets, Janice describes the support from her tutors as positive and constructive. She particularly valued the detailed feedback, which helped her refine her storytelling in professional writing.

Her next goal is to continue developing as Head of Finance, using the skills she gained through the apprenticeship to strengthen both her own leadership and the services her team provides.