10 Dec Staff Spotlight | James Hendry
This staff spotlight features James Hendry, who looks after the on-site first aid facility and team of first aiders here at Gray & Adams. With an impressive 42-year career as a paramedic before joining us, James brings a wealth of experience, calm under pressure, and genuine care for others. Known for his good humour and hands-on approach, he plays a key role in maintaining our high standards of health and safety across the site.
What initially brought you to Gray & Adams, and what does your current role involve?
After 42 years, I took early retirement from the Scottish Ambulance Service in 2018 and enjoyed a six-month sabbatical. During my ambulance career I had met James Gray several times, as he would support community initiatives, and we also have done the car rallies together. I approached him about part-time work, we met, and he placed me in the production support office. My work there spanned across health and safety, quality, training, and maintenance.
Since joining in March 2019, my primary responsibility has been all first aid procedures on site. Recently, I oversaw a major project to revamp our facilities, introducing a medical room on each side of the factory in Fraserburgh. The first medical room is up and running and the second medical room will be finished in the coming weeks. I also work with our training manager, Andrew Cooper, to arrange first aid courses and coordinate first aid staff.
Could you share a bit about your background and what led you to a 42-year career as a paramedic?
Back in 1976, a colleague I worked with in the council saw an advert for an ambulance position and encouraged me to apply. I went to interview and began training in April 1977. Over the years I worked in a range of roles and locations through secondments, including area service manager positions such as in Elgin, and even a two-week exchange in London to gain insight into working in a major metropolitan service.
The on-site first aid facility is described as state of the art. What makes it such an important part of Gray & Adams’ operations?
It’s essential that we keep our employees safe all year round. Over the last year there have been changes to out-of-hours arrangements in hospitals, we need to be able to deal with a wide variety of situations on site. I am a registered paramedic supported by FREC 3 trained responder and 41 first aiders.
You also oversee our team of first aiders. How do you support and develop that team?
All our first aiders are trained by external providers to ensure they meet exceptional standards. Every new starts gets hands-on CPR familiarisation, training with defibrillators, and a thorough induction. We have 10 defibrillators across the site, plus 1 on each of the HGV vehicles which deliver trailers, which is a conscious choice by James Gray. In the early days of my work in the ambulance service, there was no defibrillators carried in Ambulances in Scotland. The British Heart Foundation started an initiative with the Scottish ambulance service where companies could donate to buy defibrillators for their local ambulance station, the first defibrillator we received was donated by Gray & Adams.
What do you find most rewarding about your work at Gray & Adams?
Similar to my work in the Ambulance service, where I was able to look after the public, at Gray & Adams I look after my fellow employees, supporting their health and wellbeing. I also have mental health awareness training, so I am able to support colleagues if needed.
After such a long career dedicated to helping others, what continues to motivate you?
I have a genuine fascination for life. I enjoy learning and seeing how I can make a difference.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy walking, cycling, and spending time with my grandchildren when they visit. I also enjoy socialising with colleagues, friends and family.
Do you have any plans for retirement?
I am still in the office five days and week and I’m not ready to stop yet – I’ll work until I decide the time is right. Age is only a number.
What stands out to you about working at G&A?
The people. The guys and girls in the office are excellent – we’re a close-knit, family organisation, and I’m proud to be part of it.