"The thing that's kept me here all these years is the people" – Reflections on 37 Years at Cotswold District Council
As part of our Lasting Legacy project, we're capturing the memories and experiences of people who have helped shape the council over the years. Land Charges lead, Michaela Salter joined the council in 1989 and is still serving the district today.
When she joined Cotswold District Council in 1989, there were only a handful of departments and staff knew each other by name. Nearly 37 years later, one thing stands out above everything else.
"The thing that's kept me here all these years is the people," she said.
Thinking back to her first days at the council, she remembers walking through the typing pool on her way to an interview and feeling as though everyone was watching her.
Fortunately, the nerves didn't last long.
"When I started, everyone was so welcoming. It really felt like a family. Right from the start, people made you feel welcome. Everyone knew each other and there was a real sense of belonging.
“There were so many of us starting together that they hired a coach and took us on a fantastic tour of council-owned sites including lunch at the leisure centre! I’m the only one left from that group, but some of us are still in touch.”
Over the years, Michaela has worked across several services, including administration, legal services, planning and land charges. Through organisational changes, new ways of working and countless challenges, the relationships she built remained a constant.
"I've built friendships and working relationships that have lasted decades,” she added. “Even now, there are people I can ring up and say, 'Do you remember when we did this?' and they'll know exactly what I'm talking about."
As someone who both works and lives in the district, Michaela said serving local communities has always been an important part of working for the council.
"I'm proud to work for the council because I live here too. I care about this place and the people who live here."
However, she believes the public doesn't always see the full picture of what councils do.
"People often think councils are just about bins and council tax, but there's so much more going on behind the scenes than people realise.
"There are lots of services that people may never notice until they need them, but they're important and they make a difference."
As the council prepares for local government reorganisation, Michaela is relaxed about the change ahead. She said she had seen the organisation evolve over nearly four decades and believed change is something CDC has always managed to adapt to.
Her biggest hope is that the relationships built over many years are not lost.
"Whatever happens, I hope we don't lose those connections,” she said.”, adding that there was one piece of advice from a former colleague that had stayed with her throughout her career: "I've worked here a long time and I live in the area. Look after it."