Vote 100

Her empathy and ability to stay strong are reasons enough why Leamington Spa delivery line manager, Susan Sprules, has been nominated for our Vote 100 campaign.

Leamington Spa delivery office manager, James Maudlin, said: ‘We had a very tough 2018 in Leamington Spa. We had a line manager, Ian Buswell, who was a close friend and colleague to Sue die suddenly. Despite this, Sue stayed strong and was like a rock to many of us. When one of our postmen then also died, Sue supported both families through the death in service process.

‘We also had no less than 14 colleagues whose parents died over the year, and three people who were diagnosed with cancer. As Sue was my lead dealing with sick absences she had to deal with a lot of tough cases yet remained firm and strong despite so much tragic news.

‘It is especially important as Sue has been a single mother due to her husband dying at a young age and she has had to raise two girls who are now at university getting their second degrees. Sue has made sure that every penny she has earned has gone to them to ensure they have a great future.

‘I started working at Royal Mail 30 years ago after completing a BTEC in Business Studies at college,’ said Susan. ‘I have two daughters, one is training to be a doctor and the other is training to be a solicitor. My husband was a delivery manager at Royal Mail in Coventry, but he sadly passed away from a brain tumour 19 years ago. This was a very difficult time for us as a family but we got by with a good sense of humour and a smile.

‘After starting as a postwoman on delivery I worked in the mail centre doing various roles, before transferring to the writing room. It was a lot more difficult in those days before computers as the work was all done in paper format and every minute had to be accounted for!

‘I am currently the lead for sick absences in Leamington Spa. There have been many difficult and sad situations within the office during the last two years with several deaths, involving colleagues and their parents. As I’m sure you can imagine, this has been a very traumatic time for everyone involved. I previously worked as a Samaritan in my spare time and the skills I learned have helped me support colleagues, including signposting families to various helpful organisations.

‘I consider myself to be a friendly and upbeat person who is firm but fair. I always try to get the job completed with a smile and a bit of banter along the way. I was shocked to hear that I had been put forward for the Vote 100 campaign as I see myself as a run-of-the-mill girl, just doing her job. Although modest, I am secretly ecstatic for this nomination!’

Vote 100

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Our Vote 100 campaign is close to wrapping up, but there’s still time to help us showcase the enormous contribution Royal Mail women make each and every day both to colleagues and customers, ensuring we remain the UK’s most trusted postal operator.

If there is someone in your workplace who you admire for their outstanding work ethic, their drive to improve their own and others’ skills, their knack for supporting or mentoring others, showing kindness, overcoming obstacles, or influencing positive behaviour – we want to hear from you!

Please send your name and contact details plus the name of the colleague you wish to nominate, and your reasons for doing so, to vote100@royalmail.com. We will then be in touch to obtain further details.