What was your background before this role?
After leaving school, my career began in the Army, where I spent 25 years. It was a great life that gave me a lot of experience, and it was fast paced, which I really thrived on. But eventually, it was time to move on into civilian life. Even then, I stayed connected to that environment by continuing to work closely alongside the armed forces.
Initially, I spent a couple of years working abroad as an advisor to the Lebanese Army, which was both informative and exciting. However, after a while, I needed to return home to be with my family.
When I came back, I started working with Army cadets in schools across the North of England. It was a really rewarding role. One of the things I enjoyed most was the travelling and getting out and about all over the region. Because of that, I needed a reliable way to get around, which is how I ended up getting my motorbike licence.
What sort of training have you done before this role?
Commuting on a motorbike quickly turned into a real passion. I got hooked on riding and it wasn’t long before my wife got involved too. It’s become something we both genuinely love. My interest in motorcycling grew, taking me back to the school where I got my licence, and I went on to train as an instructor. I became fully qualified and spent 6 years teaching part-time at weekends, which I really enjoyed.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining your field?
I was in an MOD role, but after 7 years I knew I was ready for a new challenge. That’s when I came across this role on the Civil Service website and decided to go for it.
The training for the role was excellent, delivered by people who really know the job inside out. Having that level of experience to learn from made a big difference in understanding what the role is like day to day.
Don’t get me wrong, the training was challenging, but it needed to be to reach the standard expected. Now that I’ve been through it, I can see how it’s set me up properly for the job and given me a clearer understanding of what’s required in the agency.
After spending a lifetime in the armed forces and related roles, this job has felt like a real breath of fresh air. I’ve especially enjoyed getting out and about in all weather on a company bike. It’s definitely a change of pace and one I’ve taken to straight away.
One of the biggest positives for me is the independence that comes with the role. Being able to plan your own work and get on with it suits me well. It’s a worthwhile job within the motorbike industry, where no 2 days are the same, and it keeps things interesting. Meeting different people and travelling to new places really adds to the experience.
Overall, it’s been a great move and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.