Angela Croad, who has been with Higgs for seven years, won PA of the Year at the West Midlands PA Forum Awards recently for her work supporting the firm’s busy Family team.
There was double delight for Angela when weeks later she discovered she had also won an Outstanding Achievement Award for her contribution to highlighting the topic of menopause through the PA Forum, and she is also the Menopause Champion.
“I was absolutely thrilled to win PA of the Year,” said Angela. “There were 75 nominations for the award and the judges whittled it down to 17 finalists.
“I know most of the other finalists and they are amazing people who do phenomenal jobs, so to come out on top was really humbling.
“I go to work every day with the intention of just doing the best job I can – I don’t expect any awards for it, so to achieve what I have is amazing.”
Angela Croad
Personal Assistant, Higgs LLP
The judges commended Angela for “breaking down barriers between the support team and the lawyers” and for her “high standards and true work ethic”.
Her commitment to the job has seen her progress from Office Assistant into her current role.
Angela trained as a menopause champion as she wanted to support other women who had experienced the same challenges as she had.
Angela engages regularly with the business with regards to support groups and she has recently organised a walk and talk session where women can share tips and offer each other support while getting away from the office environment.
Higgs LLP also bought copies of Davina McCall's book, Menopausing, for anyone who wanted it.
Angela, who lives in Quarry Bank in the West Midlands, said: “The menopause has always been, until recent times, a taboo subject and I’ve seen many women leave careers because they feel they’re no longer doing a good job, but if they’d have felt able to reach out and talk to someone and get help and advice, they could have continued to excel in a career they once loved. I am extremely passionate about retaining the knowledge and expertise in this amazing profession.
“Higgs LLP has been ahead of the curve when it comes to menopause and have offered me fantastic support, including putting me through training with Talking Menopause.
“I’m really proud to win the Outstanding Achievement Award alongside two colleagues from the PA Forum.”
PA Forum Awards judges said: “Angela has touched the hearts of many as a true champion and ambassador for positive menopause discussions in the workplace, both internally and externally.”
Sophie Wardell, HR Director at Higgs LLP, said: “We are extremely proud of Angela’s achievements, both how she has grown her career at the firm and with these two awards, which are richly deserved.
“The support she offers our Family team is invaluable. She has helped to transform the whole department with her tireless work.
“She has also taken the lead on menopause issues and has been a beacon of light for colleagues struggling to deal with the symptoms.”
