VERSA VOICE: Q&A with Giles Orr
February 2010

Versa Voice recently met with Giles Orr, Director of Commercial Services at Aylesbury College.

What have you got in your briefcase today?
Mini notebook pc-thing, copy of the College’s SAR, half a Mars bar (way beyond the sell-by date) and the latest edition of Private Eye.

What's the most embarrassing (work!) mistake you've made?
Not recognising our guest speaker and re-introducing myself to them 5 minutes after doing it the first time…

What would you say to your 18-year old self if you met them today?
Work hard, don’t spend you time in an office peering at a computer and take up skiing much earlier!

What’s the most important thing you've learned in this job?
Keep calm, and inspire confidence in those around you. No problem is insurmountable, it just takes time!

How do you keep sane and focused?
Sense of humour & young family. Alcohol and cigarettes also appear to be beneficial.

When was the last time you felt genuinely surprised at work?
This morning, when paperwork for a project I had been pushing hard with a reluctant member of staff suddenly appeared on my desk. The quality exceeded anything I had expected. I had to go out of my way to thank and congratulate them.

Have you ever said 'I'll get back to you on that' and not meant it?
I’ll have to get back to you.

What would you do with a £25 million budget?
I would like to create a series of FE bursaries. I see so many people trying to get themselves out of difficult social and economic circumstances by improving their education, only to be driven out due to financial circumstances.

You find yourself drinking in a late-night bar with the Secretary of State. What would you say to him?
Not again! I’m sure it's your round!
“Do you know anything about FE? Its that bit between school and universities that’s all about skills. No, not just sixth forms…I guess I’ll get my own drink then…”