Jan Smolen

At Coventry City Council’s Digital Print and Mail centre, I’ve been part of a team that plays a crucial role behind the scenes, making sure vital information reaches the right hands, at the right time.

My day typically begins with the incoming post. I scan and digitise documents for electronic distribution, ensuring council services have immediate access to the information they need. From council tax queries to housing applications, these documents often relate to urgent and sensitive issues, so accuracy and speed are essential.

A large part of my work is focused on supporting the Revenues and Benefits service. I index emails and physical documents into the system, creating a clear and searchable record for caseworkers. I’ve also been responsible for processing cheques received in the post, handling them with care and precision.

No two days are exactly the same. I’ve taken on ad-hoc scanning tasks and bulk digitisation projects—such as archiving historic case files—always maintaining a consistent standard of quality and confidentiality. And when other departments need support, I step in to help, adapting quickly to shifting priorities.

This role has not only strengthened my technical skills in document management systems and high-volume scanning but has also deepened my understanding of public service delivery—and the importance of getting the details right.

With a passion for making sport accessible to all, I have delivered tailored coaching sessions for diverse age groups, ranging from children aged 7–13 to adults aged 60 and over. I designed and led engaging skill-development sessions for young athletes, nurturing their enthusiasm and confidence through structured, enjoyable activities.

Equally, I took pride in creating inclusive and welcoming environments for older adults, promoting physical activity and social interaction through thoughtfully adapted training programmes. Each session was tailored to meet the specific needs, fitness levels, and interests of individuals or groups, whether for personal health goals or collaborative team strategies.

My approach to coaching is rooted in continuous learning. I actively maintain up-to-date knowledge of coaching techniques, safety protocols, and sport-specific regulations across multiple disciplines to ensure effective and responsible delivery. This holistic and flexible coaching style fosters participation, skill progression, and a strong sense of community for everyone involved.

Working as an E-Commerce Assistant, I found myself at the heart of a fast-paced online retail environment—where every click, product update, and stock count mattered.

Using Magento, I managed and maintained the company’s online store, ensuring customers had a smooth, engaging shopping experience. From updating product listings and images, to processing orders and monitoring stock levels, I made sure every detail was accurate and up to date. I quickly learned how even the smallest error in pricing or product description could impact customer trust and sales, so I developed a sharp eye for detail and a strong sense of ownership.

To further streamline operations, I expanded my skill set by learning Trims, a tool that helped me categorize products more efficiently and improve how customers navigated the site. This not only enhanced the user experience but also contributed to smoother internal workflows.

One of my key responsibilities was overseeing stock takes. I coordinated physical inventory checks with digital records, resolving discrepancies and implementing best practices to improve accuracy. This helped reduce order issues and supported better forecasting for the buying team.

Through this role, I developed a strong foundation in ecommerce operations, learned how to manage complex systems, and gained a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that keeps online businesses running smoothly.