Get to know Lucy Wilson, Director of People & Culture at Leadbolt

Cancer patients and their families may face challenges in the workplace following a diagnosis and it is important they understand their workplace rights before, during and after treatment. The Cancer Council Workplace Advisory Service (WAS) was established to assist people affected by cancer navigate their workplace entitlements or returning to work after a diagnosis by connecting individuals with HR professionals. HR professionals generously provide advice around workplace rights such as leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and disclosing a cancer diagnosis to an employer, as well as assisting people to transition back into the workforce after a period off work for treatment or caring responsibilities.

Lucy Wilson, Director of People & Culture at Leadbolt, is a generous HR professional who has provided vital support and workplace information to people affected by cancer through the Cancer Council Workplace Advisory Service since 2014.

Lucy talks about the different types of assistance she has provided cancer patients and carers since joining the program:

“Sometimes it’s a relatively simple matter that just requires some solid planning together and talking about what is going to best support the individual through what may be a very stressful period for them – the last thing they should have to think about is work, but unfortunately this is sometimes not the case.

I have also worked with more serious matters where formal approaches to issues need to be taken, such as an employer potentially discriminating against a client or where they aren’t able to return to work and need help transitioning.”

Lucy reflected that from her experience communication is often the first thing to break down between an individual and their employer, particularly if they are on leave or need flexible adjustments, and that she is passionate about tackling this issue to give people affected by cancer increased confidence communicating with their employer moving forward.

Lucy explained: “One thing I will say, is that I’ve worked for such kind organisations, that I’m often surprised with how others can turn on their people in times of need.  Within reason, I think flexibility, kindness and support is key, so it’s great to get to fight for that on the other side of the table and see a positive outcome.”

We really appreciate the generosity of HR professionals such as Lucy who provide invaluable assistance and support to clients at a difficult and vulnerable time in their lives.

If your organisation has an HR team who would like to volunteer in the Cancer Council Workplace Advisory Service, we would love to get them involved! Please contact us at probono@cancercouncil.org.au for further information.

*The Workplace Advisory Service is not currently available in South Australia