Celebrating our colleagues

Derrick Tawiah 

Position: Divisional Commercial Manager
Team: Traded Services
Division and Department: Environment and Leisure
Length of service: 1 year, 10 months

I am an Accountant and joined Southwark permanently in January 2020, having previously worked as Finance and then Divisional Finance Manager for a year on a contract basis. Southwark persuaded me to forego the life of a contractor and take my first employed role in over 20 years. This is testament to the people that I have worked with to date, as from day one I have felt a valued and empowered member of my team and have an open and direct relationship with the majority of people I have come into contact with.

As a BAME member of staff I can see opportunities for career progression at all levels, but believe that access pathways, support and evidence of better outcomes need to be in place, so that Southwark better reflects this.

I have worked across numerous authorities and genuinely believe that Southwark has a different energy and a better “can do attitude” than most.

It's Black History Month and I am incredibly optimistic about the future. In my lifetime, I cannot recall a period where there has been a consistent focus on issues concerning race and equalities. My hope is that out of the adversity of COVID-19 coupled with George Floyd, society becomes a better place and we all recognise the fact that we are the same, equal and striving for similar things.

Page last updated: 20 August 2021