Senior Engagement and Service Development Officer, Geoff Trappett 

What does a Senior Engagement and Service Development Officer do?

In a nutshell my job is to ensure that all CPL stakeholders, of which clients are the largest and most important, are engaged and consulted in the running and strategic direction of the organisation. This is important as it allows the organisation to provide services that respect client views and values as they pursue their desired direction in life. 

Where are you located?

I work out of the New Farm office but I am also constantly on the road. I am looking forward to getting out and meeting everyone I haven’t had a chance to meet yet.

How long have you been with CPL?

Just over two months now. However, at different times it feels like I’ve been here for both an eternity and a really short period of time as the demands of the job ebb and flow.

What is the hardest part of your job?

So far the hardest part of the job has been helping clients recognise that by providing feedback on their service, be it good, bad or indifferent, they need not feel like they are complaining or being a bother. It is important for them to realise that in reality their feedback is doing all of our thousands of clients a favour. It is only through this feedback that we are able to grow and learn as an organisation. So please keep that constructive feedback coming.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Ensuring everyone has their say and feels valued to the point where they know they will be listened to. Not everyone will always get exactly what they want from every piece of feedback they provide. However, in many cases just by having the conversation it allows us to expand our thinking and move on to a mind space that we would never have progressed to without one person taking the time and having the courage to speak up.

What do you do in your spare time?

Outside of work I am pretty much your typical Aussie bloke. I love my outdoors and being active. I do everything from camping, fishing and kayaking to scuba diving and of course relaxing in front of the TV with the car racing on.

Do you have a nickname?

Actually, no I don’t which is a bit weird growing up with a sporting background. I’m not sure whether to take that as a sign of respect or as a sign that I’m just boring.

Name your top three greatest achievements

Well, I did win the 100m athletics event at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics. I was the first person to go under 14 seconds in a wheelchair for the 100m - both fantastic accomplishments. However, the achievement that tops them all is being awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to the community. To me having the opportunity to give back after being given the chance by so many people to lead such an amazing life is an incredible feeling.

Do you have any words of wisdom that you live by?

You can’t go past Lance Armstrong’s ‘Live Strong’ philosophy. Getting out there and living life no matter what the world has thrown at you in terms of obstacles and opportunities. Live life to the fullest and if you are going to do something do it well, do it strong.   

What’s the next big thing happening in your section?

By far and away the biggest thing happening at the moment on the engagement front is the proposed name change for the organisation. I look forward to helping engage in meaningful two-way dialogue between members and clients to ensure they get their say on the future of the organisation. This is important because without the support of clients there would be no future for the organisation. They have been and always will be the cornerstone of the organisation and I wouldn’t have it any other way.