Our People | Meet Tara Procter

Human Resources Officer Tara has been with Redwood Bank since October 2017. Known for her bubbly personality and positive outlook, Tara is very much a family person, who has a penchant for McDonald’s. Here she tells us what keeps her up at night and what she loves most about working for Redwood.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Honestly, nothing. I am the worst morning person! Although I have to say a McDonald’s breakfast is always an encouragement. 

How would you describe working at Redwood Bank?

I’ve been at Redwood since October 2017 and the more I learn about the business, the people and how it operates, the prouder I am to work here.

New staff often say how great they think the culture is here and how easy it is to settle in due to the family feel. Even those who have joined in recent months, where they’ve only met colleagues virtually, say what a nice atmosphere Redwood has cultivated.

I remember someone once said when I asked them for feedback about me that I am like a ray of sunshine, but they wish I wouldn’t talk so much! That was from a colleague, not a customer by the way!

What’s the best bit about being a HR Officer at Redwood?

The variety that comes with the role. No two days are the same, which I love.

I feel that the work I do makes a real difference to the people of Redwood, which is a great feeling.

Seeing the benefits of the health and wellbeing programme we introduced across the bank last year was hugely rewarding. As part of this, we ran some Mental Health sessions which allowed our colleagues the chance to take a moment for themselves and connect with others. 

From this, we found the ‘Time to Talk’ session was the most effective. This gave staff the chance to chat and have a catch up with colleagues outside of work. The social aspect is so important, and to know that the work I do benefits others in a positive way makes me proud.

What’s the one thing you know now about banking that you didn’t before joining Redwood Bank?

When I first joined, I spent some time in the Operations team. It was such a fantastic opportunity to learn how the bank worked at the front line and how we support our customers.

There are so many different roles in banking, I would advise anyone wanting to break into the industry to try to gain as much experience in as many different areas as possible.

Where do you see Redwood Bank in three years?

I think Redwood will continue to grow and so I think staff need to grow with it. The past year has shown that we can do anything.

What is the best piece of advice you have received in the past three years?

It’s more of a quote than a piece of advice… “What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?” really sticks with me. You can’t achieve anything without taking the first step!

Also, my grandad will always say he’s been painting the clouds with sunshine whenever someone asks what he has been up to. I try and live by that and make the best of any situation.

What keeps you up at night? 

I have just moved into a flat and most of the time it’s about deciding what I want to buy or decorate next.

What three people, dead or alive, would you invite to your ultimate dinner party?

Due to not having seen my family in months because of the pandemic, I would have to say it would be my family, although there’s no way I could pick just three of them. I’m such a family girl and am missing them all dreadfully.