Introducing dxw’s first ever Staff Council

The Council’s role is to represent the views of colleagues and inform how the business is run

Last year, dxw became employee owned with a Board of Trustees and an Executive Board. In January, it democratically elected its first Staff Council.

The Council’s role is to represent the views of colleagues and inform how the business is run in staff’s best interests. Its main responsibilities are to:

Here are the 7 dxw employees who make up the Council

Louise Duffy, Content Lead and Editor

I’ve been at dxw since August 2019 and I’m the Content Lead and Editor. I work on both client and dxw projects and help people to understand how important words and language are.

I wanted to be on the Staff Council because…

As I work with clients and those who’re more behind the scenes at dxw, I feel like I’ve worked with most people here. So it would be a really nice thing to do to be able to represent other people’s views, and hopefully make life better for everyone. I’m also a trained union representative so I’m looking forward to using the skills that I’ve learned for everyone at dxw.

When I found out that I had a place on it, I felt…

Quite surprised but also very honoured. As it’s our first ever Staff Council, it’s really exciting to be able to shape how it works and what the role of councillors will be.

The main thing I’d like to get from this experience is…

I’m really interested in seeing how being an employee owned trust works for us and how the Staff Council will fit in with our new governance structure. dxw really is one of my favourite places to work so it’ll be interesting to see how we can make it an even better place!

If I had a theme song, it would be…

I’m Scottish so I suppose I have to go with something by the Proclaimers. They’re my go-to karaoke songs. They can’t sing and neither can I.

Alex Yedigaroff, Head of Transformation

I’ve been at dxw since December 2018 and I’m Head of Transformation. I currently work across sales and projects to shape work and build relationships with client stakeholders.

I wanted to be on the Staff Council because…

I feel I can help to listen and represent the needs of the most important assets that dxw has – its people.

When I found out that I had a place on it, I felt…

Proud and excited.

The main thing I’d like to get from this experience is…

To build closer relationships with parts of the company that I don’t often interact with, and to play a part in shaping the company as it grows and develops.

If I had a theme song, it would be…

…I simply can’t answer this!

Becs Hodges, Portfolio Manager

I’ve been at dxw since November 2018 and I’m a Portfolio Manager. I work closely with the dxw leadership team to initiate and facilitate projects that progress our company’s objectives.

I wanted to be on the Staff Council because…

I was thrilled when I heard dxw was becoming employee owned and wanted to be involved in any way that I could. I’m also excited to work with a different group of people across the organisation with a common goal.

When I found out that I had a place on it, I felt…

Surprised (!) and very excited and honoured to both be on the Staff Council and working closely with a different group of dxw-ers.

The main thing I’d like to get from this experience is…

As this is a new thing to me and to dxw, I’m interested (and intrigued/excited) to see what this means for us and how we can represent different views across the organisation.

If I had a theme song, it would be…

A hard question! I’ve always been a big fan of Elton John, so probably Rocket Man.

Gaz Aston, Head of Design

I’ve been here since June 2017. My role is Head of Design which involves managing some of our designers, working with our leadership team, supporting folks across all of our disciplines, and occasionally leading on projects.

I wanted to be on the Staff Council because…

dxw has always prided itself on being about its people. The transition to an Employee Owned Trust, and the creation of the Staff Council, gives us an opportunity to truly put the people that make dxw what it is at the heart of how we operate.

When I found out that I had a place on it, I felt…

Honoured — and responsible for truly representing our people, their concerns, and their desires.

The main thing I’d like to get from this experience is…

The knowledge that our people feel as though they have a real say in the way things work at dxw.

If I had a theme song, it would be…

Linus and Lucy by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, for no other reason than I can’t help but smile when I hear it.

F, Head of Development

I’ve been at dxw since February 2019 and I’m Head of Development. I’m responsible for our software development, both in terms of thinking and planning technology strategy and in looking after the people in the team, and making sure the work is a good fit for them and supporting their growth.

I wanted to be on the Staff Council because…

Transparency, openness, and collaborative decision making are hugely important to me. I see the Staff Council as one mechanism to help everyone at dxw feed into deciding how the business is run, and help keep us unified as we continue to grow. The Council is there to be the voice of the people, and to do that, it has to be connected to them.

When I found out that I had a place on it, I felt…

Validated. I’m not generally someone who keeps my opinions to myself, and I often worry that I come across as overbearing or obnoxious. To have people vote for me to represent them gave me some confidence that at least some people find that overbearing obnoxiousness important or useful?

The main thing I’d like to get from this experience is…

I want to serve the people of dxw. I’ll see this as a success if people feel heard and listened to across the business.

If I had a theme song, it would be…

Full Of Fire by The Knife. Go and watch the video (warning: it’s not safe for work).

Chanelle Pal, Designer

I’ve been at dxw since April 2021 and I’m a Designer. My role covers both interaction and service design, as well as the “teamy” side of the business like building the design community.

I wanted to be on the Staff Council because…

I love people and think the Council is an amazing opportunity to have a positive impact at dxw. I also feel like I could bring a different energy and truly be the voice of our dxw family.

When I found out that I had a place on it, I felt…

Honoured, emotional, and buzzin’. Excited to get going!

The main thing I’d like to get from this experience is…

To make sure everyone feels like they own a little piece of magic at dxw. Also here to challenge, question, and bring a fearless energy to the mix.

If I had a theme song, it would be…

Gene Wilder – Pure imagination from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I’m in my own world most of the time, and really think there’s no limit to most things – exactly what this tune represents. I know, I’m cheesy. #PowerOfImagination

Meyric Rawlings, Senior Developer

I’ve been at dxw since December 2017 and I’m a Developer. I help build the products and services with our clients.

I wanted to be on the Staff Council because…

I believe that employee ownership is a good thing and want to do my best to help it succeed.

When I found out that I had a place on it, I felt…

Shocked! I did my usual of not paying enough attention (I’m generally not an early adopter), someone asked if they could nominate me and the next thing I know, I’m on the Council. And now that I’m here, I’m determined to pay more attention and do my best for those that voted for me.

The main thing I’d like to get from this experience is…

I’m not sure. I’m excited (and a bit scared) to see what this will all look and feel like.

If I had a theme song, it would be…

Blimey! Er, Bust a move by Young MC? Because when I hear it I want to bust a move like Earl in this video but I’ve never been able…