CSR Assistant Review

Managing the Toyota and Lexus Community Fund is a large part of the role, as it involves monitoring and scoring grant applications regularly, as well as building and maintaining relationships with external Charities and the Dealership Network across the UK. The role also coordinates all staff fundraising with the National Charity Partnership which is great to get involved with staff across the company, as well as through organising staff volunteering initiatives and writing internal communications about CSR activities across the business. The CSR Assistant also has responsibility to reconcile the Charitable Trust Bank statements monthly, monitor expenditure from the Trust, assist in Environmental Emissions reporting, and respond to all Charitable requests.

Soft skills are fundamental to the role, and Ive had great experiences building these throughout the year. However, Ive also developed other skills such as proficiency with Microsoft applications, by using programmes such as Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook, and Teams on a daily basis. Above this, Project Management is a core element of the role as the PDCA Process (that all Toyota students go through) gives great exposure and training to managing an efficient project from start to finish, as well as role specific responsibilities such as managing the Community Fund. Ive also had exposure to Presentation experience which is great for future employability, as well as running meetings effectively and writing agendas/minutes.

From the beginning of the placement you are given responsibility to manage the students daily tasks and projects, however you are supported at all points by the wider team and company. Within a couple months you gain confidence to take further ownership of these responsibilities.

While you own the role-specific projects and manage the direction that they take, your line manager and team regularly check in and stay involved to ensure you are supported throughout. Through weekly 1-2-1s and team meetings, as well as quarterly reviews, the support is structured to ensure guidance is consistent throughout the year. A detailed handover process at the start of the placement, as well as thorough Standard Operating Procedures to follow from the previous student also help to provide support while you settle into the role.

The company culture is second to none, with schemes such as the Sports and Social Group offering affordable social events, and bi-annual away days to encourage the team to get together outside of work. Having a large cohort of students also helps to keep the company culture friendly, with everyone across the company taking time to introduce themselves throughout your first few weeks.

I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my placement, from the social atmosphere in the office to the role and responsibilities I have had as the CSR Assistant.

Yes

Dont worry if you are not a petrol head! The work atmosphere and job is so inclusive and there are opportunities throughout the year to learn about the industry in as much detail as you would like. In the application process, do what you can to have a look into the company and prove willing to learn about it, but keep the role and key responsibilities in mind!