Charlotte Whyman

Charlotte is a senior tech adoption and accessibility specialist based in Norwich. She discusses her career journey, the development of her role and reflects on the culture at Mills & Reeve.

Can you tell us about your role?

I’m part of the technology adoption team, and I’ve been at Mills & Reeve for nearly nine years. Day to day, I help people use our systems and get the most out of their devices, whether that’s introducing them to software that’s new to them, supporting new starters, troubleshooting issues, or delivering one to one and group training sessions.

Over time, my role has evolved. Around four years ago I joined our Ability staff network, which raises awareness of disabilities, neurodiversity and health conditions, because I felt there was so much technical knowledge that could help people make simple adjustments to their devices and change their working experience. Creating awareness, being a point of contact, and making a genuine difference to people has always motivated me.

That involvement grew, and I eventually became a senior tech adoption and accessibility specialist. I’ve been really supported to develop the accessibility side of my role, work with different areas of the business, and begin shaping a plan around where we are, where we need to be, and how we get there. It’s been amazing to have that encouragement to grow and shape a role that didn’t previously exist.

Having worked in learning and development for over 25 years, what inspired you to specialise in technology adoption and accessibility?

I actually fell into learning and development by accident - I originally trained as a chef! Later, while working in a building society, someone suggested I’d make a good trainer, so I applied for a role that opened up there and discovered how much I loved helping people build confidence and learn something new. That feeling of taking someone from “I can’t do this” to “I’ve got it!” is what has driven my whole career.

As tech became more central to everyone’s jobs, I realised how much I enjoyed helping people use systems, especially when tech isn’t their main role but they rely on it every day. I completed a computer qualification and my Microsoft training early on, and my passion for tech just grew from there.

Accessibility became a natural extension of that. Supporting people with adjustments, whether they have dyslexia, visual impairments, or simply need a different way of working, is something I find incredibly meaningful. Being able to show someone that a small tweak on a device they already have can completely change their working experience is really powerful.

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned along the way?

The biggest lesson is that you never stop learning - I genuinely learn something new every day.

I’ve also learnt not to be afraid to try things, even when I’m not sure how to do them. You don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to know everything. Having the courage to give things a go, ask questions, or say “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out” is so important.

Working at Mills & Reeve has really reinforced that, because the culture is so supportive. You’re encouraged to be ambitious and can pick up something challenging knowing that if you need help, you’ll get it - and most of the time, you surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

Taking responsibility, being honest when something goes wrong, and staying open to learning from others have been huge lessons for me throughout my career.

What’s it like working at Mills & Reeve?

I absolutely love it. I came from a job and team I adored and didn’t think I’d ever find somewhere that matched it, but from my very first interview, I knew Mills & Reeve was special.

The culture is genuinely what we say it is. It’s values driven, supportive, warm, and authentic. I feel privileged to work here. Every day I look forward to coming in, helping people, solving problems, and being part of a team that truly lives its values.

It sounds dramatic, but joining Mills & Reeve was completely life changing for me. It’s incredibly rare to work somewhere where you’re encouraged to grow, where your ideas are valued and supported, and where you feel genuinely happy coming to work every day.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying to Mills & Reeve?

Don’t hesitate - absolutely go for it!

The culture here is brilliant, and the opportunities to grow are incredible. Even if the role you apply for isn’t your long term ideal, once you’re here you have so much space to develop, move, and carve out a path that suits you.

So many people’s career journeys here are testaments to how much progression is possible. It’s a firm that genuinely invests in its people.

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