Faces of FuturU is a story series about our incredible team. We explore their motivations for joining, delve into the experiences they bring with them and understand a little more about what brings them joy at work.
Belinda Southby is a Content Developer at FuturU, where she creates engaging content used by thousands of learners on their healthcare education journey.
What initially attracted you to working at FuturU?
FuturU’s values really appealed to me. I’m a proud socialist, and the idea of providing free, accessible, quality, and accredited education aligns perfectly with my values. While other aspects of a job can be negotiated, these principles genuinely excite me.
Can you tell us more about your role at FuturU?
I had been teaching English and working in educational technology overseas for many years. I came back to the UK and joined FuturU as a content developer. Along with the rest of the team, our primary role is to ensure that the courses we create are interactive, high-quality, accurate, and can be accredited. It may sound simple, but there are many aspects involved in the process, and it’s a role I’ve been working towards for a long time.
What brings you joy at work?
It’s my team that brings me joy. We have a fantastic team, and we’ve all been together from the beginning. Our team dynamic is exceptional, and our line manager, Vicki, is incredible. She fosters a culture of empathy, emotional intelligence, and support. We have our unique ways of connecting, like using virtual hearts to indicate how we’re feeling each day. This kind of support and camaraderie within the team is what brings me the most joy.
Do you have any prior experience in healthcare?
I don’t have direct healthcare experience, but I’ve had personal experiences as a healthcare user, particularly in the context of my family’s healthcare. I’ve been involved in creating awareness-level courses related to healthcare, which has given me valuable knowledge. These courses have been incredibly helpful during challenging times, such as when my mother was ill. So, while I haven’t worked in healthcare, I’ve gained valuable insights as a user.
What excites you about the future of FuturU?
I’m particularly excited about the potential for people to access nursing degrees through FuturU. A few years ago, I considered a career change into nursing but realised the financial burden it would entail. I think there are a lot of people like me who dismiss nursing as a career path because of the cost. FuturU’s approach to making education accessible and affordable opens up opportunities for people who otherwise might not have had the chance to retrain, develop, and grow in their careers.
Connect with Belinda on LinkedIn