Please introduce yourself
"My name is Jessica Tennison, I'm a Resourcing Partner and I’ve been at TfGM since March 2025."
How have you seen things changed and how does your role contribute towards the changes?
"I’ve only been here for a short time, but in that time I’ve already seen a shift and a real desire for growth and learning.
"We’re delivering more as an organisation and encouraging our staff to come to the table with ideas of how to do things differently."
How have you felt supported in your role at TfGM?
"I’ve felt empowered to share my story and not be ashamed of who I am.
"During pride month I took part in a staff Q&A panel which was a safe space for our staff to ask questions and be curious, in a safe respectful way.
"As a trans woman I’ve often found the biggest barrier to equality is an understanding that we’re all just people trying to navigate through life in a way that’s true to ourselves, so to be encouraged to share my story and hopefully change a few minds made me feel incredibly supported.
"I often attend staff network events, such as our book club, during work time and it’s a beautiful feeling to have this network of people who understand where I’m coming from.
"The opportunity for hybrid work has been really helpful too, its allowed me to stay in touch with people on a personal level in the office and build connections with the team quickly, but fit the work around my life when needed by working from home."
What is your proudest achievement in your role at TfGM?
"Every time I get to find the right role for somebody fills me with so much joy, but some of the EDI and outreach work I’ve been able to do has made me incredibly proud too.
"I’ve developed neuroinclusive recruitment guidance in collaboration with our Neurodiverse staff network, introduced new schemes within TfGM to make sure all of our recruitment panels are diverse and continue to work with colleagues on improving racial and gender equity in our hiring processes.
"Everyone at TfGM wants to make sure we’re hiring the best people for the job, but we have to acknowledge that some groups of people have always faced societal barriers to good work based on characteristics they have no control over.
"I feel like I’m in an incredibly privileged position to work towards identifying and removing any of those barriers at TfGM."
Are there opportunities for development and learning you have taken advantage of?
"I’ve had training on Microsoft co-pilot and power apps, helping me understand automated processes so much more, as well as taking part in Autism-friendly recruitment training from external experts."
What piece of advice would you give to people applying for opportunities with TfGM?
"Be authentic.
"TfGM values people for who they are, and our experiences shape us. Don’t be afraid to show your story, we all grow as people as well as professionals. Recognising where we’ve coming from, and knowing where we want to be are massive signs of strength.
"From a recruitment perspective, I’d really advise looking into the amazing plans and strategies for the future of Transport in Greater Manchester which we’ve published and looking into how you can fit in and contribute.
"We have such diversity of roles at TfGM there will surely be something you can bring to the team that can lift us up."
What do you love the most about serving our communities in Greater Manchester?
"It’s the people!
"The stories and shared moments, when you hear about how a new job can impact somebodies life for the better.
"Serving Greater Manchester feels like being part of something bigger, and knowing the people we’re recruiting are contributing to the future of the city is incredibly fulfilling."
Are you a member of any of the many Networks at TfGM?
"I’m part of the rainbow network. I’ve been to our coffee mornings, marched at pride and joined our networks book club! It feels so affirming working somewhere with so many LGBTQIA+ spaces where I can be my whole self."