Meet Mike!

Job Title: Content Officer, Communications / Customer Services

Background: I have had a very varied career to date. After studying Communications in Aberdeen I started my working life in graphic design and typography. I then changed direction completely and moved into health promotion in the late ‘90’s, specifically drugs and alcohol training and development. 

This led to my first role within East Lothian Council  as Drug Education Development Officer in April 2000. After a few different specialist youth development, training, and lower management roles, I became Centre Head at Port Seton Community Centre in 2008 where I stayed for 14 years!  

In 2021, I had to come to terms with the death of my partner and becoming a single parent.  I was unable to continue in my Centre Head role due to the demands of shift working but was able to be redeployed to the Communications team, where I have been since. 

In January 2024, the ‘webteam’ half of my role was moved over to be managed within Customer Services.

What does your job involve?  My role is very varied.  Working alongside collaboratively with different departments and web editors I design, develop, edit and approve material for both the Council website and intranet, ensuring that all content meets accessibility legislation and is in line with the ELC brand guidelines.  I also produce articles and press releases, photography, training new web editors and social media.

What do you like most about your job? I love the variety and flexibility of my role.  Having the opportunity to be creative and helping the different council departments to communicate their services to a wider audience is a real privilege.

What do you enjoy out of the office? I like to get out on my bike, reading and movies but have ‘flirted’ with many hobbies such as rock climbing and scuba diving in the past.