Charlotte B.

From aviation enthusiastic to newly qualified solicitor

I joined British Airways as a newly qualified employment solicitor in our legal department in September 2022 after completing my training contract at a regional law firm in Manchester. Whilst growing up, I loved plane spotting at Manchester Airport and Heathrow Airport so I particularly love working in the aviation industry and for British Airways specifically!

I manage employment law and industrial relations risks

I am part of the Legal department and work an employment lawyer working closely with HR colleagues to manage legal risk across British Airways and its subsidiaries from an employment law perspective. I also regularly get involved with extracurricular activities including events to raise money for our charity partnership with Comic Relief, Flying Start, such as raising over £700 for the charity when I took part in Run Gatwick (a 10k run around the parameters of Gatwick Airport).

Working in an organisation where I can be myself

British Airways has an amazing culture which values all employees and their unique individualities. As a transgender woman from a working class background, I found that working in a traditional law firm requires you to fit into a specific mold whereas at British Airways, uniqueness and individuality is embraced and actively encouraged! Having the ability to be myself has helped me to provide a better service to colleagues as I feel comfortable that I am respected and valued regardless of any personal differences in background or gender identity.

Be prepared to learn something new every day!

Given the size of British Airways as an organisation, I learn something new each day and I think it's important to succeed at British Airways to relish learning new things and taking hold of opportunities. You need to be comfortable that you will never know absolutely everything, but be reassured that you have resources and colleagues who will guide you!

Joining British Airways colleagues on a float at Pride in London

During Pride in London 2023, I walked alongside colleagues from different business areas for Pride in London. It was an amazing experience to be out and proud at a large event and to receive a positive reception from the large crowds that were watching the parade and to share that experience with colleagues - we were even featured in British Airways' internal employee magazine!