Case studies

I have a veterinary degree, veterinary specialist neurology diploma, a PhD (neuroscience) from UCL and a Master’s in public administration / global policy (eMPA) from New York University (NYU) sponsored by the Fulbright Commission. I also have certificates in regulatory strategy, academic practice and psychotherapy.
My veterinary and research background was useful when I first joined the Home Office as an inspector in the Animals in Science Regulation Unit. Taking a career break to do an eMPA at NYU helped me gain confidence and broader education in policy and leadership to make the next step into the Senior Civil Service.   
I was attracted to this technical area because I was interested in policies that protect animals in society and was drawn to public service.

Before joining the Civil Service, I was a veterinary surgeon specialising in neurology, neurosurgery and was an epilepsy researcher. I was a lecturer and clinician at the Royal Veterinary College and was a vet, clinician and researcher for 14 years before I joined the Civil Service. I led clinical and educational teams in these roles and oversaw a European training programme for vet specialists. These roles helped me gain experience as a leader.
The pivotal moments for me have been the quite scary decision to leave a highly successful vet and academic career to join the Civil Service. I had a lot of criticism from friends and colleagues at the time, but I loved the Civil Service from the first day and it was a great decision for me. In 2015 I decided to take a career break to take a Fulbright Scholarship and study public administration and policy for a year. This was another pivotal moment because it helped me think beyond my technical background and focus more on leadership and organisational change. It gave me the confidence to apply for a policy role and then Senior Civil Service (SCS) roles. Without that, I’m not sure I would have been able to reach the next grade.
By far the most interesting role has been my current one – Head of the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU). I love this role because I have an amazing and diverse team who are committed to delivering our purpose of protecting animals in science by maintaining compliance. Every day is challenging and varied, and I am constantly learning.
The work that ASRU does supports the UK life sciences sector in delivering critical scientific benefit to society and protects animals – ASRU’s work benefits humans, animals and the environment.  

That’s very much a combination of listening to my expert team, speaking to expert stakeholders, attending conferences and industry events, and reading.
I love learning and developing new skills and I look out for opportunities to complete training courses and attend conferences and webinars. I recently did a short course on regulatory strategy at the London School of Economics (LSE). I’m a voracious reader and love to read books about different approaches to leadership, management and business. So much of my learning though is from my day-to-day work, working with teams and individuals who have different expertise and skills, and solving new problems. I also do a lot of mentoring which I think is very much a two-way learning experience.

My advice is that you need to make time to build the broader Civil Service skills outside your specialist area and really invest your time in these. Management and leadership are deep skills in themselves, and in my opinion are critical to career progress. Sometimes as scientists we think that knowledge is the most useful currency in our career, but those leadership and management skills become more and more important as you progress. Your role becomes all about empowering others and creating more leaders around you.
I think there are some specific mindsets that are important: listening carefully to understand your teams and stakeholders, thinking systems so you understand the complexity of whatever system you’re working in and finally a focus on life-long learning for your teams and yourself.

I completed my BSc with honours in Biological Sciences at Warwick University, and then decided to stay for another year to complete my MSc in Biological Sciences in a Changing Environment during COVID.
My educational background enabled me to secure a place on the Civil Service Science and Engineering Fast Stream, as a Master’s in a science area is required. Prior to securing this job, I noticed that the types of roles that I was interested in also required this type and level of technical expertise.
I always had an interest in physical geography and science at school and felt that the environmental science side of biology captured my interest in that overlapping area really well. During my lifetime, climate change has been a growing topic of discussion in the news and media, and from a young age I have been conscious of environmental damage and wanted to have a positive impact.

My first graduate role out of university was working as an international data account manager for a company providing businesses with environmental compliance solutions, and I stayed there for 17 months. This job involved working with businesses to ensure they were compliant with international regulations relating to packaging, electrical and battery waste, by analysing and submitting their obligation from their waste data. In this role, I was able to help businesses to understand their impact on the environment and achieve their sustainability goals.
I am currently in my first year on the Science and Engineering Fast Stream, posted to the Home Office for the last four months. I work closely with the Science and Evidence Ecosystem Development (SEED) team, who are involved in encouraging the narrative of proactively using science and technology to solve challenges to help people understand how science and evidence can support the public. This function ensures that policy is informed by evidence, which ultimately strengthens decision making and improves the quality of services provided to society.
Securing a place on the Civil Service Fast Stream has been a pivotal career moment for me, as it has provided a great opportunity to explore different areas of science and develop a range of skills. I am still in the process of figuring out what I want my career in science to look like, and this development scheme will enable me to expand my horizons.

I keep up to date with emerging science and technology trends with emails from the wider group, and I am informed of projects that are taking place in areas that I am involved with or have expressed an interest in.
As part of the Fast Stream programme, I have the opportunity to take part in a variety of training courses to further my professional development, such as a data masterclass course, and a GSE leadership values masterclass. I also look out for upcoming conferences, workshops and other training relevant to my field of interest.

I think my key piece of advice would be to push yourself out of your comfort zone, as I find you aren’t really growing and learning when you aren’t stretching yourself. I think building and maintaining a network is very important, and it is helpful to connect with people who share your interests and goals, to inspire you and potentially help further career goals in the future.
From my experience on the Civil Service Fast Stream, another thing I have learnt is to embrace all opportunities presented to you. Don’t be afraid of getting involved with a wide range of projects, as it is all great experience.
I believe one of the key skills for success is communication, to convey science to different audiences for maximum impact. I also think the ability to adapt and be flexible is important to respond effectively to changing situations.

I have a BSc Hons in microbiology and microbial genetics (university of Dundee), and a PhD in taxonomy of the food poisoning organism clostridium botulinum (university of Reading). My degree gave me the grounding in microbiology and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in that field. My training was essential for my first role as a research assistant in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Cambridge). I learned all the methodology at the time including PCR and DNA sequencing when working on re-arrangements causing lymphomas. After about two years in the role, I was ready to progress with the ambition of leading a lab group. For that, I felt a PhD was a good career move and I studied the taxonomy of clostridium botulinum and developed rapid tests to detect the botulinum gene, and sequenced the 23S gene of botulinum neurotoxin Type G. I developed an interest in food poisoning organisms and applied for a civil service role on the microbiological safety of food. My intention was to learn more about the funding of research and return to the laboratory environment, but I loved the civil service so much that I never left!

I joined the microbiological safety of food team in the Department of Health in 1994 and worked through the BSE crisis – a great learning opportunity regarding prion disease research. Other highlights were working with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) on food safety steps to protect the consumer from food poisoning. I also worked with advisory committees and other government funders of research. I joined the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in 2000 and had opportunities to work with European Commission expert groups and the CODEX Commission. My training and expertise in C. botulinum came in handy as I developed guidelines for industry on the topic of vacuum-packed chilled foods. I enjoyed working with the British Beekeepers Association to add labels to their honey that it is not suitable for infants under 12 months.
I took advantage of key training opportunities on offer, such as a media training course offered by FSA which was great preparation for being interviewed by John Craven for BBC Countryfile on campylobacter reduction in poultry. I took advantage of FSA opportunities to complete project management training, and also became a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology and a registered Chartered Scientist. In 2014, I left microbiology behind to work with the Department of Health on nutrition legislation. I learned so much about the legislative process and laying legislation before Parliament. I joined the EU Expert Group on health claims made on food and loved working with other member states. In 2016 I moved to a role working with the NHS Screening Programme where I worked very closely with ministers and perfected my ministerial briefing skills and answering parliamentary questions.
My next major career move was to Defra in 2017, a grade 7 role in the Chief Scientists Office involving international science partnerships. In 2022, an opportunity came up in FSA and I returned to microbiological safety, this time as team leader for the Microbiological Risk Assessment Team. It feels like my career has come full circle – I have learned so much from my different roles and the great people in the Civil Service.

I attend conferences and workshops, mostly online but it is hard to beat face to face networking with other scientists.

Don’t be afraid to make your career move even if you are a deep specialist, the Civil Service provides great opportunities, so keep upskilling and say yes to training and other opportunities. It is good to move around the Civil Service to widen your experience. Seek out mentors and if you feel ready for promotion ask for mock interviews. Focus on how you demonstrate your skills and behaviours and always seek feedback from unsuccessful interviews and learn from that.

I studied at Keele University where I obtained a BSc degree with honours in Forensic Science and Criminology.
After graduating, when I was applying for certain forensic science roles, a lot of the essential criteria was that I held a degree or equivalent in forensic science or a science-related subject. The knowledge obtained during my degree helped me in my career as I was able to apply my learning to the roles.
I was attracted to forensic science as I thoroughly enjoyed (and was good at) science in school. The idea of applying science to help reduce crime and working closely with the police and the criminal justice system appealed to me.

After graduating, I applied for an examiner/search and recovery role at Key Forensic Services (KFS) in which I was successful. I believe my educational background contributed to my success in the role. I was then trained in examining items for biological fluids such as blood, semen, saliva and cellular material, documenting my findings creating contemporary notes.
I was then promoted to a reporting officer within KFS a few years later. I was trained in reporting and analysing DNA results and also went on an expert witness course which prepared me to present my findings in court, assisting the jury. After four and a half years at KFS, I decided to transfer to a different laboratory, Eurofins Forensic Services (EFS), carrying out the same role but for a larger laboratory.
After four and a half years at EFS, I decided to have a change in career path. I saw a vacancy at the Home Office for a DNA scientific specialist in which I was successful. I have been working at the Home Office for just short of two years. I believe my educational background along with my experience in DNA reporting contributed to my success in this role. I have been trained in undertaking, interpreting, and reporting Missing Person DNA Database (MPDD) searches. I am currently in training for match report rare allele checks, near match results, subject and crime stain profile re/loads. I am also going to be trained in Interpol reporting and the contamination database soon.
I have progressed from entry-level positions to advanced roles through training and experience, taking on extra projects or training courses which are optional, to further enhance my knowledge and skill set.
A pivotal decision for me in my career was whether to take on the reporting officer role at such an early stage in my career. I was still yet to receive some more training as an examiner, and I didn’t know if I was ready to take on the reporting officer role at the time. But I am so glad I had the courage to take on this role, as it allowed me to enhance my scientific skills, boost my confidence and expand my knowledge of forensic science. The experience gained has helped me in my current role as a DNA scientific specialist.
I have worked on some remarkably interesting cases as a reporting officer, which I cannot detail due to confidentiality, but one of them was a high-profile murder case assisting the jury in obtaining justice. This gave me a sense of accomplishment, and I was proud of what I had achieved over the course of the investigation, using the scientific skills and knowledge I had gained over the years.
My work has impacted the Civil Service as I have used my scientific interpretation skills and experience to support the wider team in managing complex queries and performing scientific interpretation of quality investigations.

I stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends as I receive emails from the wider group with updates and I am informed of any projects that are underway. There is also a library of scientific journals which I have access to which is regularly updated.
I invest in my professional development by attending conferences which are relevant to my field. I have recently volunteered to train to become an internal auditor, alongside my current role, where I will attend an official course and obtain a qualification, to further invest in my professional development. I also set myself working goals through the year which I update as I progress.

My advice would be to work hard and focus on your goals. To not give up even if it feels slightly out of depth, if the passion is there you will achieve what you set out to aim.
I believe the key specific skills for success would be good communication skills (both written and oral), which convey key issues, information, and solutions effectively to an audience from a range of backgrounds. Sound judgement and decision-making skills, along with good analytical skills are also crucial for success within the forensic science field.

My main area of research is radiation biodosimetry – using cytogenetic (cellular and chromosomal) damaging effects of ionising radiation to estimate individual doses. This involves identifying, developing, and validating biomarkers of radiation exposure for use in accidental cases of overexposure or mass casualty scenarios. I have a degree and PhD, which I’ve achieved while working and studying part time.

I joined UKHSA as an administrative officer and progressed to grade 7. I studied part time earlier in my career, having day release firstly to attend and complete a biological sciences qualification. I then studied through the Open University, mostly in biological science, but also organic chemistry, statistics and health. My degree took six years to complete as I studied in my own time, and I gained a BA(Hons). I didn’t stop there though, I used my cytogenetic skills and experience to complete my PhD studying mobile phone radiofrequency effects. This took five years to complete part time.

I attend conferences and workshops.

Learn as many techniques as you can and take pride in doing things well.

I qualified as a doctor in 1997, undertook surgical training and completed my MRCS in 2000. In 2008 I completed by GP training, attaining MRCGP, followed by fellowship of the Royal College of General Practitioners in 2017. As an academic, I became associate fellow of the Higher Education Authority in 2018 and worked as an associate professor of primary care, completing a Master’s in Education, Research and Leadership with distinction in 2020. This broad training gave me a fantastic breadth of expertise to enable me to fulfil the needs of my current role.

My career started in neurosurgery, with a specific wish to work with children in this area. With the move to neuroradiological interventions in the 1990s, I began training as a radiologist, in addition to my surgical training aiming to move into this specialist field. Self refection is a powerful tool and in the early 2000’s I realised that this was not the area where I had the greatest skill. My academic, networking, communication and problem-solving skills were not used to their best potential. I made a bold step to leave medicine all together and completed training and work outside of the field of medicine, later returning to retrain as a GP, the only medical career at the time that fully supported part time working to allow me to progress my full potential alongside working as a clinician. Moving into academia was a natural step. Becoming an associate professor of primary care at a Russell Group university allowed me to undertake research and work with brilliant clinicians who were at the forefront of medical advances. An opportunity to work in clinical policy, using my academic and teaching experience arose in 2018 and I have never looked back. I led the clinical policy work at the Royal College of General Practitioners through the pandemic, and worked as chief medical officer at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence before taking on my role as Chief Medical Advisor to the DWP. This role brings all of my skills and expertise into one area and I am delighted to be in post.

 
I continue to work clinically as a GP seeing patients in a rural GP surgery on a weekly basis. This, added to my professional registration with the General Medical Council, regular continuous professional development sessions and keeping in touch with peers at the forefront of medicine means I stay up to date and can keep on top of the changes in medicine.

Never let anyone stop you from following your dreams. Tenacity is often underrated. If you find a block, be creative and find a work around. Hierarchy is not always helpful and so find someone you trust to help you navigate your path as you move through your career to ensure you reach your full potential.

I have a BSc degree, PhD and my Executive MBA is in progress. I have accrued over 20 years’ experience in the science profession for Defence since my formal education. I undertake ongoing professional training, but also maintain scientific currency by published and supervising higher degree students. I studied exercise science (BSc) and specialised in women’s musculoskeletal health (PhD), which I continued to pursue in my professional role.

I have worked in Defence research for my whole professional career, about 24 years. After my PhD /postdoctoral research in women’s health, I worked at the Defence Evaluation Research Agency (DERA, now QinetiQ) as an applied human physiologist for nine years, generating funding and leading research on musculoskeletal injuries and female health and performance. I was then appointed head of research (SEO) in occupational medicine at the Army Recruiting and Training Division where I spent around seven years building an evidence-base to support the health and performance needs of male and female recruits. As a scientific adviser on the ministerial decision to open all roles to women, I moved to Army HQ as a Grade 7 in 2015 to develop and lead an innovative human sciences research programme to inform safe and effective employment of women in ground close combat roles. Building on the success of this research in the Army, I continue to drive innovation in women’s health, and am very excited to lead a professional team of applied physiologists on our next initiative to prepare our soldiers for the future battlespace. Spearheading the women’s health and performance research programme has been a career highlight. I truly believe this research will make a huge difference to servicewomen, the Civil Service and wider society. The societal gender data gap has a profound effect in defence where women only make up around 10% of the military workforce. Policies and practices are designed for men, by men. This lack of female-specific evidence prevents women from thriving and reaching their full potential. My team have made huge leaps forward with understanding how we can optimise health and performance of women based on their unique physiology, which also helps us to better understand the specific requirements of men.

Presenting at national and overseas conferences has always been very important for my professional development, and pivotal for networking. I now mostly present by invitation, on a panel or as a keynote speaker. I actively publish in peer-reviewed journals and have over 100 published papers. I also supervise PhDs and am due to finish my MBA studies in December 2024.

Continue to learn and self-develop and don’t get stale; the Civil Service is a great environment to support professional development but it takes initiative and drive. I have also avoided temptation to not out-promote my passion – I still love what I do and sharing my knowledge within Defence and the wider scientific enterprise.

 I enjoyed learning about genetics at school and decided to pursue that interest at degree level. I completed an undergraduate degree in molecular biology and genetics and enjoyed lab work but didn’t know if a research career was what I wanted. I went on to do a one-year research Master’s in Biochemistry to find out. I found the research really interesting and so when an opportunity arose to do a PhD in molecular genetics, specialising in plant viruses, I went for it. The research skills I gained taught me the importance of evaluating evidence and planning how to answer complex questions. I was interested in understanding more about genetic information and how to use computers to perform analysis on complex and large data sets, and during my PhD I was exposed to some bioinformatics.
Towards the end of my PhD, I was sent information about the Scientist Training Programme (organised by the National School of Healthcare Sciences). It’s a three-year training programme where you learn on the job in the NHS and gain an MSc, and clinical registration. I did my training in clinical bioinformatics, specialising in genomics, and worked on understanding and diagnosing genetic causes of diseases in humans. This experience taught me how different clinical and research sciences can be, although there are a lot of similarities running through them. I was particularly interested in clinical sciences because I get a lot of satisfaction out of knowing that the role I play helps individuals, as well as furthering understanding of diseases in the wider scientific and medical community. I had always wanted to work in healthcare but I’m extremely squeamish, and I wasn’t aware of this career option before I heard about it after my PhD, I’m glad I stumbled across it!

I spent four years working towards completing my PhD. During this time, I developed my skills in lab work as well as scientific decision making and planning. I also carried out some teaching and public engagement work. I found explaining science to non-experts very useful, helping me gain different perspectives on the work I was doing by discussing my research with others who had different questions and backgrounds. I was once told that you’re not an expert in your field until you can explain it simply and successfully to anyone – and that has stuck with me to this day! I enjoyed my PhD but I realised that I find seeing immediate results extremely rewarding so I started looking for a career where I could achieve that. I had always wanted a career that helps people, which is why I was drawn to science. When I discovered I could use my scientific knowledge in a clinical setting I realised that I would find that a rewarding and interesting career. I applied for the Scientist Training Programme and began on-the-job training in clinical bioinformatics – specialising in genomics. I really enjoyed working as part of a team, inputting specialist advice into multidisciplinary meetings and understanding human genetic causes of disease. Once I had finished training, I saw a job advertised at the organisation that is now the UK Health Security Agency to work on viruses. Viruses have always fascinated me, and they mutate a lot faster than humans, meaning they come with their own interesting challenges. I worked for a few years in the virus reference department assisting in various activities such as understanding therapeutics. The biggest challenge of my professional life was just around the corner, with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. I started working on understanding the SARS-CoV-2 genome in a small team in UKHSA, which was part of a much wider UK network (COG-UK) and wider still with international groups of scientists. We developed a lot of analytical methods to help understand the genomics effect on spread, pathogenicity, therapeutic implications and much more, including the identification and defining of new variants. It was a very interesting time, but also difficult in places. The impact of the work we were doing was obvious everywhere. One of the positives was that I felt like part of a worldwide team, all working towards the same goal of helping the population and understanding the situation. I’d happily never work on another pandemic though! Since then, I’ve continued to work on emerging infections that pose a threat to public health in the UK. I find this work interesting and challenging, working with a diverse range of scientists to understand information about actionable results.

We work very closely with researchers around the country who keep us updated on their work. Part of the role we have is horizon scanning for any events that may have an impact on public health. This involves being aware of what is happening both nationally and internationally, and often working with public health organisations around the world, as well as the World Health Organisation. The area I work in is still relatively new, and the benefits of the work we do in this area are increasingly obvious, especially since the pandemic. The technology is moving fast too. We regularly look at the kind of analysis and techniques that others are using and developing around the world to ensure that we are using the best methods available to us. We develop our own methods as needs arise to answer key public health questions and share them with others. We often develop methods with research partners to come up with innovative solutions to problems. Professional development is key in our area of work, so we have a lot of shared learning among the team. We regularly attend conferences, workshops and training courses as well as making sure we keep up to date with required clinical training and registration requirements.

For a career in science, I would advise people to be open to new opportunities. I didn’t know that the role I’m in existed when I was at school, or even university. I think that you should pursue areas that interest you and take advantage of any experiences that you can. They will all impact the direction you take and give you a better experience in your chosen area. For a career in bioinformatics, a solid understanding of genomics and genetic concepts is important. Understanding how the data is generated, and the implications of different methods is really useful. We do a lot of coding in bioinformatics, so a good knowledge of a coding language is key. We use Python for genomic data analysis, and R for visualising our results. The methods we use for organising and sharing code are just as important, so we use version control methods like GIT and share using GitHub, and storage of results and information in databases is also required. To succeed as a clinical bioinformatician I think you need to be curious, always ask questions and keep an open mind to new ways of looking at data to answer questions. Whilst doing that you need to keep patients at the centre of all your work and be driven to help improve lives.

I have a BSc (Honours) Architectural Engineering, MArch in Architecture and a PgC in Project Management.

Before I joined the Civil Service, I worked in multiple roles within the construction industry but mainly worked as an Architect and Building Information Manager.

Following industry related CPDs, attending exhibitions, conferences, workshops on the field of construction.

Do it because you love it and inspires you!

Before joining HSE’s Building Safety Regulator Division, I worked with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and Cleveland Fire Brigade as a Business Safety Inspector. I studied at the Fire Service College, obtaining a Fire Safety Diploma among other qualifications, and I’m a member of the Institute of Fire Engineers. I’m currently studying towards a Level 5 Diploma in Fire Engineering Design.

I inspected fire safety measures within business premises and assessed building plans to ensure access and facilities for the fire and rescue services were suitable. Now, I am a part of HSE’s Planning Gateway One team (PGO), a statutory consultee service in relation to fire safety for high-rise residential buildings.

I am part of a small team of Fire Safety Information Assessors (FSIAs) and support staff. As an FSIA, I review fire safety considerations in planning applications and advise the local planning authority of any concerns. PGO forms the first of three ‘gateways’ that are being established following the recommendations made in the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety. PGO is providing an indication about what a more stringent regime will look and feel like. The message to industry is to understand the new fire safety design landscape and respond positively to the regulatory changes. Only by doing this can industry restore confidence in its developments to residents, firefighters, regulators and the general public.

Entry level into this field of work is a Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety, or equivalent relevant qualification. I enjoy working within Planning Gateway One and I’m passionate about the work that we do, as I strongly believe we’re helping shape the future of building fire safety, supporting our fire and rescue services, and residents and other users of high-rise buildings.

HNC Chemistry and Physics, Functional training provided by MENNTA in aspects of fuels and lubricants, on the job laboratory training in advanced analytical techniques with 15  year’s experience.

I have 39 years’ experience covering fuels and lubricants quality assurance testing and defect investigation, policy and NATO interoperability. I have worked within Royal Air Force QA, DE&S and the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. The experience and knowledge grown during my career has enabled me to progress into policy and specification development roles. Through my expert technical and analytical knowledge, I have ensured that fuels and lubricants procured for use by MOD assets is fit for purpose with physical properties and specifications, and also with safety requirements and the product specification. This has ensured that asset inability has been mitigated, and contamination events are investigated and remediated promptly to ensure continuity of unit and operational outputs in support of UK Defence activities.

I stay updated by reading specialist newsletters and Institution of Engineering and Technology magazine. When it comes to professional development, I achieved an MSP qualification last year, and more recently attended government-organised conferences or demo days. In my early career I attended a few conferences each year.
I attend workshops, conferences and additional training as permitted by funding restrictions. Noting my field, such activities are expensive and rarely seen as affordable to the department.

Be curious, ask questions, dig deep and think outside the box. Analysis outcomes need to be specifically bound by context!

GCSEs, Access To Science, BSc Degree. My science degree enabled me to work in the fuels and lubricants area of Defence as a Scientific Officer, firstly working in the fuels and lubricants laboratories before progressing to Aviation Fuels and Lubricants Technical Manager at Abbey Wood. I was attracted to science as a mature student, starting college and university once my children had started school and I have remained in this area since 1995.

I started off in the MOD laboratories at Cobham and Farborough as a Scientific Officer, progressing to Higher Scientific Officer in the Defence Fuels Group in West Moors, Dorset and progressed to Senior Scientific Officer as the Aviation Fuels and Lubricant Technical Manager. Being able to do an Access to Science course as a mature student in a local college provided me with a love of chemistry and biology and inspired to take chemistry at Bath University, also full time as a mature student with children in school. I love my current role in aviation, it involves a lot of different areas such as specification ownership and management, input to commercial requirements, providing a technical helpdesk for the person on the ground, facilitating testing for out of spec or contamination incidents etc. It also involves attendance at some international meetings to support and move our jet fuel specification forwards and has provided a network of subject matter experts that can be called on for advice. My work has impacted MOD by driving the change to fuel specifications to allow alternative fuel blends to be uplifted and used in our platforms, this was ahead of the curve and impetus that has been set in motion for net zero.

I attend technical forums to keep pace with emerging technology and advances in the fuels and lubricants area, these include ASTM, US Specifications and Methods committee meeting, CRC Co-ordinating Research Council Aviation Fuels committee and the IATA Aviation and Sustainable Fuels Forum. Generally, training in our area is a specialism and therefore expensive and difficult to get approved. I also completed a Mennta online sustainable fuel course in the last couple of years. 

I would advise that it is never too late to change career, I managed it as a mature student with children at school because I decided it was time to do something in order to have a career that I would enjoy and not just a job. Specific skills or mindsets depend on the post you want to do, it helps to have a logical and analytical mindset and to be able to think outside the box and view the whole picture not just be blinkered to the question or issue posed.

I joined HSE in April 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak as a level 3 Customer Service and Scientific Support Apprentice for 18 months within the Proficiency Testing (PT) team. HSE’s PT team provide laboratories across the world with test samples for analysis to assess their ability to identify asbestos within a range of materials.

While HSE’s Buxton site was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I trained for this new role exclusively through online meetings and calls with the PT team, whose adaptability in the situation helped train and welcome me, despite the circumstances. I have a background as an operations manager with various retailers both big and independent. I hope to implement some of the skills I have learnt to help run the successful proficiency testing schemes for which HSE has a global reputation.

Since joining, I have contributed to the personal protective equipment (PPE) task force team, set up as an urgent response to the COVID-19 pandemic. There, I was able to network with and work alongside several HSE colleagues, both from the technical team and from across the whole of HSE. I have also been involved in the Asbestos and Air Proficiency Testing schemes and hope to continue to branch out and learn new skills as I develop.

Working for HSE has allowed me more opportunities to learn and develop new skills than in any other sector I’ve previously worked in. Joining as an apprentice eased me into the workplace by striking a good balance between learning and work and I would encourage people to consider this route if they are looking for a challenge. Everyone I’ve met from both the triage team and my PT scheme colleagues has been extremely welcoming and a pleasure to get to know. I look forward to establishing a career within HSE.

I completed A levels and then completed an aircraft engineering apprenticeship with the Royal Navy and worked on military aircraft, I then completed a BSc science degree with the Open University and have just completed a Master’s in systems engineering as part of an apprenticeship with the Department for Business and Trade. This has built a background to allow assessment of a wide range of technologies for my job role and maintains development to understand emerging technologies.

Royal Navy Air Engineering Artificer, Radio Communications Agency Radio Specialist, Export Control Technical Advisor.

The export control Multilateral regimes of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, Australia Group, Wassenaar meet, discuss and develop control parameters to meet international obligations set under UN1540 to stop the use of technologies in programmes of concern. Emerging technologies are discussed at a specific technology readiness level. I have attended some of these meetings and as part of my MSc development I was able to assess the effect emerging technology would have on the licencing structure. However, we are able to visit companies as part of awareness to understand new technologies and I try to attend events held by professional bodies such as the IET.

Science is all around and engineering is the application of science. This is where the real value lies but probably not what you will hear from an economist. Stick with it and it will give benefits.

I have a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and I am a chartered civil engineer with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). I am also a graduate member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE). I was initially drawn to the profession of civil and structural engineering because of my deep fascination with buildings and architecture. From a young age, I found the complexities of structures incredibly captivating. My interest was further solidified when I had the opportunity to work in an architect’s practice over the summer. During my time there, I encountered a significant frustration: the lack of empiricism in architectural design. While I appreciated the creativity and vision behind architectural concepts, I found it challenging to work without a solid foundation of empirical data and understanding. The disconnect between the aesthetic vision and the scientific principles governing structural behaviour left me wanting more. It was this frustration that led me to choose civil engineering as my field of study at university. Unlike architecture, civil engineering offers a perfect blend of creativity and scientific rigor. I am able to indulge my passion for creating innovative structures while also utilising empirical methods to predict and analyse how these structures will behave in real-world conditions. In civil engineering, I have found a profession that allows me to create something entirely new and groundbreaking, while also ensuring that it is grounded in scientific principles. I am excited about the opportunities this field presents to contribute meaningfully to the built environment and to make a lasting impact through my work.

After graduating from university, I embarked on a journey through various consulting engineering practices, initially in Oxford and later in London. Starting as a graduate engineer, I gradually progressed to the role of project engineer, and ultimately achieved a senior engineering position after obtaining my chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). In my senior engineering role, I oversaw teams of engineers and drafters on a number of projects spanning a range of scales and complexities. From modest undertakings valued at around £5 million to substantial endeavours exceeding £500 million, I was able to hone my skills and expertise. One of the most memorable and rewarding projects during my time in London was the first project where I served as the sole lead project engineer. I took charge of the entire project lifecycle, from planning submission to completion and handover. While it presented obstacles and demanded relentless dedication, the sense of accomplishment upon its successful realisation was unparalleled. Even today, as I pass by the building in Shoreditch, I feel a profound sense of pride knowing the role I played in bringing it to fruition. Throughout my career in consulting engineering, there were persistent concerns and murmurs within the industry regarding the discrepancy between manufacturers’ claims about construction products and their actual performance in real-world scenarios. Sadly, these apprehensions were tragically validated by the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. The incident served as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement and regulation within the construction industry. Driven by a desire to effect meaningful change and enhance safety standards, I made the decision to transition into the public sector. Joining the government, I focused my efforts on advising and contributing to the enforcement of regulations pertaining to construction products. It was a pivotal career shift fuelled by a deep-seated commitment to ensuring the integrity and safety of built environments for all.

I stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends by actively engaging with professional organisations and participating in ongoing training opportunities. One of the primary ways I stay informed is by attending conferences and symposiums organised by renowned institutions such as the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). These events cover a range of topics relevant to structural and civil engineering, including the latest advancements in materials, construction techniques and design methodologies. In addition to attending conferences, I regularly read the monthly journals published by IStructE and ICE. These publications serve as invaluable sources of information, offering insights into recent research findings, case studies and best practices within the industry. They cover an array of subjects, ranging from structural analysis and design to sustainability and resilience in construction.  Furthermore, I actively participate in specialised training programmes to enhance my skills and knowledge in areas of particular interest or relevance to my work. For example, I recently completed a training course on structural fire engineering, which provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and strategies for designing buildings to withstand fire hazards effectively. Additionally, I attended a day-long training session organised by IStructE, focusing on the implications and requirements of the Building Safety Act. This training equipped me with the skills to navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure compliance with the latest standards and regulations. Currently, I am also diligently preparing for the Chartered Structural Engineering exam, a rigorous 7.5-hour examination administered by IStructE. This exam evaluates candidates’ proficiency in various aspects of structural engineering, including structural analysis, design, and construction management.

Embarking on the journey to become a civil or structural engineer may seem daunting, with rigorous training and demanding workload ahead. However, I urge you to stay steadfast in your pursuit, for the rewards of this profession are truly boundless. If you possess a genuine fascination for the subject, you have the opportunity to accomplish incredible feats and leave a lasting impact on the world around you. During my own education and training, I encountered numerous challenges, from demanding lab work to an intense workload that often rivalled even the most demanding medical courses. Yet, in moments of doubt or fatigue, I found solace and inspiration in the words of the renowned engineer Theodore Von Kármán. He famously stated, “Scientists discover the world that exists; Engineers create the world that never was.”  This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power inherent in the field of engineering. As civil and structural engineers, we possess the unique ability to shape the physical landscape, to conceive and construct structures that were once mere figments of imagination. Whether it’s designing innovative skyscrapers, resilient bridges, or sustainable infrastructure, we have the opportunity to bring visionary concepts to life and enhance the quality of life for countless individuals. Moreover, the legacy of Theodore Von Kármán, whose name graces the boundary of space, serves as a testament to the profound impact engineers can have on the world. His words remind us that our work extends far beyond the confines of Earth, influencing the exploration of new frontiers and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and achievement. So, to all aspiring civil and structural engineers, I encourage you to embrace the challenges that lie ahead with determination and resilience. Remember that each obstacle you overcome brings you one step closer to realising your full potential and making a meaningful contribution to the world. The journey may be arduous, but the opportunities for growth, discovery, and innovation are limitless. Keep pushing forward, and never lose sight of the incredible things you have the power to accomplish.

I joined HSE’s Construction Engineering Specialist Team in January 2021. Following an undergraduate degree in civil engineering, I spent 26 years with a multidisciplinary engineering design consultancy, where I specialised in the design and safety assessment of road and rail transport infrastructure. During this time, I also undertook building facade and structure inspections using rope access techniques, developing my knowledge of work at height standards and regulations. I also chaired the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) for two years, overseeing the appointment of the association’s first chief executive and the international expansion of its safety procedures.

I am a professionally qualified chartered civil engineer, with membership of both the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT). I am an active member of the ICE Wales Cymru Committee.

Since joining HSE, I have provided advice on diverse matters including structural stability, excavation concerns and a masonry staircase failure, as well as supporting investigations into work at height fall arrest incidents. Participation in the Specialist Training Programme also offered an interesting virtual experience during COVID-19 impacted times.

I have found a challenging and fascinating role with HSE and feel that the past 26 years have provided just the initial training and preparation. Engineers and scientists have inquiring minds; this role offers constant variety and permits me to continue to ask the question “But why?” for the foreseeable future.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Master’s in Science and am a Chartered Engineer. This background and status provide evidence of my expertise and helped to get my job; I have been working in commercial laboratories for electrical safety compliance for 20 year, and I am passionate about what I have been doing for decades. 

I spent 20 years in commercial labs include TUV Rheinlands (10 years), SGS (two years), and Intertek (eight years). I started at TUV from entry level and advanced to management level, and continued to other organisations as manager. I’ve never expected to stay in the same industry on day one, but I found the engineering role is just so interesting and challenging and it never gets boring, as technology, regulation and standards are evolving. There are no pivotal moments in my career but my mantra is “never give up”, persist on what you are doing. My job is demystifying standards and regulations to the industries, and it is always interesting to know what people don’t know and discover what I don’t know. I continue my work to demystify standards and regulations to my colleagues and helps to make regulations work at OPSS. 

I am a Charted Engineer and I always get updates from the E&T magazine. I am also very curious about new technology and get from my friends (the Master’s degree network) and taking MOOC. I embrace the values of OPSS and one of them is “always learning”, and therefore I attend different development programmes, conferences and workshops, and keep updating my CPD on the IET portal.

Stay hungry. Stay foolish. Persist on what you are doing, and never give up. 

Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Chartered Engineer with IET. MSP qualification (Managing Successful Programmes). Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership and Management.
My degree was needed as part of the requirements for securing a graduate position at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). At Dstl I developed my engineering skills (technical and soft) to gain my Chartership status, which also enabled me to progress to SEO level. MSP and PgCert qualifications were part of further professional development to help me in my leadership roles as a team leader and then commissioner. Combining all of these gave me the necessary technical and soft skills needed in my role and to secure career progression.
As a teenager I was interested in computer hardware, and knew engineering was in demand, this is why I undertook an electronics degree. My roles in Defence have been driven by what I find interesting. I can see a clear purpose to the role, delivering value and opportunity

So far, my Dstl roles have included: graduate engineer (HEO, 2009), senior engineer (SEO,2013), team leader (2017,G7) and at MOD I was Associate Commissioner (2022, G7). My first role was very hands on technical research, then I developed my leadership skills as a senior engineer, taking on more responsibility on projects and working with customers. Then I stepped up to team leading, leading a team of researchers and undertaking line management responsibility. I’ve now moved into a programme management role.
My development has been a combination of training courses and qualifications, combined with ensuring a percentage of my work is stretching to develop my skills. This has allowed me to build the evidence to apply for more senior roles. A pivotal choice for me was going into team leadership rather than focusing on technical skills development. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy it or be good at it as I thought of myself as a stereotypical engineer – more interested in technology than people, but I actually really enjoyed the leadership side and it has allowed me to develop my leadership skills, helping with career progression.
I’ve worked on some incredibly interesting projects, which if I could tell people, I know they’d be incredibly jealous compared to their own mundane jobs! I’ve also visited a number of exciting places abroad with work and worked with foreign allies, which has been a great experience.  
My work has impacted the Civil Service because I know my work protects UK interests and makes a positive contribution to society.

I stay updated by reading specialist newsletters and Institution of Engineering and Technology magazine. When it comes to profession development, I achieved an MSP qualification last year, and more recently attended government-organised conferences or demo days. In my early career I attended a few conferences each year.

There is a wide range of government science and engineering roles and you should talk to people in the organisations about what the roles actually entail. Dstl and other government labs do have ‘hands on’ roles, but some of it is more about directing research conducted by industry and academia. So do your research if you have a strong preference. Passion for science and engineering is needed and you will need to continuously develop your knowledge to stay relevant. There’s flexibility in career direction from becoming a deep specialist, to more customer facing roles or leadership roles, which all need a different skillset, but the Civil Service has the learning and development support in place to help build these skills.

I have an Advanced GNVQ in Construction, which gave me the background in a broad range of construction sectors and a BSc in Forensic Science, which has helped with the analytical side of my work so far. I have an interest in forensic science due to the amount of information which can be gained from the smallest amounts of evidence. I completed the APM project management fundamentals whilst at OPSS, which provided insight to the smooth running of projects.

I started my science and engineering journey as a technician in a sand quarry, where I completed a construction qualification on day release. I spent further time working for the same company at their asphalt plants. I had taken an interest in Forensic Science and completed a distance course, which led me onto pursuing a degree in the subject. The methods and analytical techniques studied during this were applicable to material science and product development roles, which led to being offered a place on the Pilkington/NSG graduate scheme. There I was responsible for the X-ray diffraction lab, with regular use of Scanning Electron Microscopes. It also meant I was immersed in the manufacturing process from start to finish, investigating defects and production issues, and developing sputtered coatings for heat and light transmission purposes. I developed a heat treatable coated glass pane for which I am named co-inventor on the US patent, where the challenge was to produce a toughened pane without changes to the appearance of the coating upon heat treatment. I have also had roles at Unilever, developing detergent capsule formulations, and at Transcontinental Advanced Coatings, developing solvent based cast resins for wound care dressings. I started in OPSS in November 2021 in the Construction Products team, where I mainly design research proposals into construction product safety. My background is beneficial in this, providing an understanding of production and testing techniques, and awareness of on-site practices.

I am subscribed to a number of websites pertaining to the construction industry, including NHBC, The Engineer and Construction News. Since being at OPSS, I have completed the APM Project Management Fundamentals training and I’m currently doing the Gov Commercial College contract management training, both courses really help during project management.

Anybody with an inquisitive or investigative mind, who enjoys problem solving, finding out how things work, how they can be improved, made safer, more efficient, has an ideal mindset for science and engineering.

I have an undergraduate Bachelors in electronic systems engineering and a postgraduate in defence acquisition, leadership and management. I also undertook artificer training with the UK Armed Forces as well as numerous systems engineering upgrade courses throughout a 24-year long career.

I was a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the British Army for 24 years training as a telecommunications engineer. I then upgraded through training and academic endeavour to control equipment technician for armoured vehicle applications, finishing my career as production director for an 85-person strong team of engineers and technicians in a multidisciplined engineering workshop. The workshop is responsible for the modification, maintenance, repair and overhaul of a wide variety of advanced military equipment from small arms through armoured vehicles up to ground based air defence missile systems. Some key projects I’ve worked on includes the replacement for the Wheelbarrow Mk8B bomb disposal robot, the replacement was the T7 Starter system by Harris and is an excellent piece of equipment replacing a very tired capability. The wide variety in experience of leading in military engineering projects and various repair organisations has given me an excellent grasp of military capabilities and specialist technologies. This experience is perfect for my role as a technical assessment officer for the Export Control Joint Unit responsible for the control of military and dual-use goods being exported from the UK.

I am a member of various tech forums that provide periodic updates on the respective fields that interest me and that have relevance to my role. I enjoy keeping up to date with developing technologies, particularly in the photonics area of electronics. I also attend technology seminars where possible to maintain currency on not just technologies but also barriers and enablers to their application.

A high level of technical curiosity is advantageous as well as having the ability to conceptualise the weaponisation of technologies not normally associated with military use, trying to determine how something that isn’t military designed may be used for a military application.

I joined the Risk Team at HSE’s Science and Research Centre in November 2020. I have a degree in architecture and a PhD in structural engineering, and previously worked in the construction industry on projects such as housing for the Greenwich Millennium Village and the extension of King’s Cross Station.

I also spent 13 years in academia, teaching and undertaking research projects across the disciplines of architecture and structural engineering. Since joining HSE, I have worked on a number of projects supporting the shadow Building Safety Regulator as it prepared to regulate to ensure the safety of people in or about buildings and to improve the standard of buildings. I have been especially focused on higher-risk buildings and have worked on projects which have collated evidence to inform decisions on the definition of higher-risk buildings.

I am developing a risk-based approach to the transitioning of existing higher-risk buildings to the new regulatory environment. I have contributed to workshops to develop a supportive approach for owners of higher-risk buildings, to help them engage and understand the requirements that will apply under the new regulatory regime. I’m starting to work on a project identifying the particular hazards linked to higher-risk buildings which contain other uses in addition to residential accommodation.

The Grenfell fire was a shocking and tragic event. Working at HSE has enabled me to use my multidisciplinary background to support change towards a safer construction industry, through being involved in research projects that have informed legislation. There is an increasing need for people that can work across the different construction disciplines and represent different perspectives about our built environment, as well as those with specialist knowledge, to address the challenges of creating safe, sustainable, inclusive, wellbeing-conscious places to live. If you are passionate about the future of the built environment, then the HSE offers the opportunity to make a real difference for our future in a hugely supportive environment that places an emphasis on developing its people.

I have a passionate interest in science and policy, with a PhD from the University of Cranfield and Master’s in Environmental Technology from Imperial College. In May 2023 I was awarded the Science Chartered status by the Institute of Environmental Sciences. I have a strong track record of thought leadership in the field of science and policy including the production of over 50 publications in peer reviewed journals. I applied my scientific skills in policy development and managing projects with focus on communicating strategies to deliver action on product safety, mitigation of climate change and air pollution.

I am an experienced PhD environmental chartered scientist and qualified Prince2 project manager with demonstrated expertise in successfully managing and delivering projects in academia, research and development, and government departments focusing on urban pollution and climate change. Currently, I lead the Research Collaboration Network, a £4 million framework to build connections and utilise contractors with skill and expertise to support the aims of the Office for Product Safety and Standards Strategic Research Programme.  From April 2018 to April 2022, I managed the high-profile government advisory Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) with a remit to advise BEIS and the devolved administrations on policy development for radioactive waste, including how this takes account of wider aspects of policy and legislation which may inform net zero, Clean Growth Strategy and the UK’s commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. I led the committee by providing a clear vision of work and wider departmental objectives. I led on the publication of Committee Work programme, Annual Report and Framework document that gained endorsement at senior and ministerial level and published on GOV.UK. From September 2017 to April 2018 I managed the £10 million peatland capital restoration fund at Defra to improve the condition of peatlands in England thereby reducing carbon emissions and delivering multiple environmental benefits as part of England Peatland Strategy in 2018. I led the appraisal process, sourcing suitable expertise from internal and external stakeholders, underpinned by robust analysis to meet project milestones. Previously, as the project leader of the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) in Defra I managed the quality and timelines of the statutory reporting. This has been a central and pivotal role in the development of Air Quality Strategy and subject to more scrutiny than before. I co-ordinated the publication of four major statutory reports which have, for the first time, been required to meet the conditions laid out in the revised EU National Emissions Ceiling Directive.

Through my science chartership status I am required to complete at least 30 hours of CPD each year by attending lectures and seminars as part of the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Royal Society of Chemistry (e.g. GSE leadership Values masterclass). Recently, I co-ordinated the publication of the OPSS Science and Analysis Review in January 2024 on GOV.UK and launched the Research Collaboration Network Framework in October 2023 to increase the visibility, diversity of skills and timelines of research and advice from relevant experts.

It is crucial to frame questions in the right way in order to open the door for science to provide solutions to societal problems. 

I have a Geography degree and have carried out technical training, for example in assessing climate risk, climate data and reporting. I have also commissioned research and studies which have deepened my understanding within the context of my role. For example, my latest research is with Professor Rajat Gupta at Oxford Brookes University and aims to examine the extent to which existing prison archetypes in England experience summertime overheating, what its effect is on staff and inmates, and how prisons could be adapted to prepare for this risk now and in the future. I have also recently commissioned analysists to Investigate the impact of temperature on the frequency of violent incidents within prisons. It is critical that we build resilience to the impacts of climate change locally and globally, and this is what has attracted me to this technical area

 I started my career working for Local authorities 20 years ago as an Environmental Officer, leading on Environmental Management, Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Auditing. I progressed to Head of Sustainable Development for a large London Borough with responsibility for climate change mitigation and adaptation. In 2015, I became Director of a local countryside charity, working across sectors on nature recovery projects. In 2021, I joined the Ministry of Justice, my first time working in government. I am currently the Head of Sustainable Operations, supporting the department with delivery of its sustainability goals as strategic enablers of the justice system.
I progressed my career by gradually taking on more leadership roles and using opportunities to learn and develop. I have always chosen interesting roles with scope for development. This means I enjoy what I do. My current job is interesting because it is so varied and involves working with a huge cross section of people and at different scales. I hope that in the longer term the impact of my work will be improved resilience of  prisons and other buildings and increased opportunities for rehabilitation for prisoners and people within the justice system.

I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and stay up to date with technology and industry trends via events, training, networks and reading papers/journals.

There are currently a lot of opportunities in this sector and a huge range of specialisms. I think the ability to use an evidence based approach to develop a case for change is helpful for success.

I have a degree in marine biology with oceanography and a master’s degree in environmental science and management. I joined HSE’s Chemicals Regulation Division, in York, in 2021 and work in the ecotoxicology team, which is responsible for ensuring that plant protection products and biocides do not have unacceptable effects on the environment.

My day-to-day role involves the ecotoxicological assessment of pesticide and biocide active substances and products by scientifically assessing relevant studies on non-target organisms and carrying out environmental risk assessments for organisms in the terrestrial and aquatic environments.

My work so far has mainly been on plant protection products in the context of regulation 1107/2009180 for placing plant protection products on the market. I am developing my knowledge of the relevant regulations and how they translate into scientific testing and principles. I am undergoing extensive training to become experienced in all the areas that the team works on. The role is very varied as every product has its own set of challenges and requires a balance of regulatory and scientific considerations.

I am excited by the opportunities for development that my role presents. Working in the Ecotoxicology Team is extremely fulfilling. The day to-day job is varied and full of opportunities to interact with scientific experts in other technical areas. Knowing how impactful my work is in terms of environmental protection gives me a sense of purpose that I do not think I would find outside of my role.

My first degree was an integrated BSc/Master’s degree in biochemistry. Alongside the chance to spend four years studying this incredible area of science, this was really helpful for developing skills in critical and analytical thinking, and rigorous research. After a short time away from academia, I decided to retrain in public health, by completing a Master’s in Public Health (MPH), which then led onto a PhD in Environmental Epidemiology. My interest in working in public health and epidemiology came from the opportunity to use my analytical skills to conduct research in an area that I felt was immediately relevant to improving people’s health.

I am still relatively new to the Civil Service, having joined UKHSA in late 2023 after finishing my PhD. Before joining, most of my career was in academia, but in between degrees I have worked as a medical writer in the private sector, and later as a statistician on a research project looking at the complications of diabetes. Switching between academia, the private sector, and now the Civil Service has been invaluable in giving me an awareness of the different sectors involved in work relating to health. While my decision to leave the private sector and retrain in public health felt like a leap of faith at the time, I now see it as the most important decision in my career so far. During my time in academia, I worked on various projects with the potential to have a positive impact on society. These ranged from factors affecting survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, to my PhD on the health impacts of interventions targeting transport-related air pollution. I’m looking forward to continuing working on impactful projects within UKHSA.

I keep up to date with current literature in the field using publication alerts and by discussing with colleagues. I’m also looking forward to continuing to present at and attend conferences.

Don’t be afraid of changing direction. When I finished my first degree, I initially had no intention of returning to academia but am very glad that I did after a short time in the private sector, albeit with a change in direction from biochemistry to public health. In terms of attributes for success, I think persistence is key. There will always be obstacles to overcome in any project, but by maintaining your focus on the end goal, and keeping on taking steps towards it, you’ll probably surprise yourself with what’s possible to achieve.

 I fell into this role by accident. I was training to be an accountant, but personal reasons led me to change my career path. While studying for my BA in Business Studies, I also worked as a library assistant in the university library. When I graduated, they offered me a full-time position and sponsored my training. To qualify as a librarian, you need to complete a Diploma in Library and Information Science. Many people convert this to a master’s qualification. Many organisations also encourage qualified librarians to undertake chartership of our professional organisation, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). I completed this in 1998, alongside my master’s degree. As your career progresses, you can complete an additional qualification; fellowship of CILIP.
Librarianship has changed significantly since I started, and I have been encouraged to participate in continuing professional development.  I have written book chapters, articles, and I have co-authored a book. I have presented regionally, nationally, and internationally on information science-related topics. In 2010, I was given the opportunity to undertake a PhD in computing and engineering. My thesis, accepted in 2015, described a model for a technical and human solution to improve access to good quality health information for all. It described the importance of librarians working together across different sectors to ensure the public is sufficiently well-informed to participate in the shared decision-making process. My business degree helped me with the managerial aspects of my work. My chartership gave me a much greater insight into how to be a strong leader and with my diploma, ensured that I could apply for a professional post. My PhD was an unexpected bonus, which helped me to discover innovative ways of helping the public identify good quality health information.

Throughout my career, I have managed staff, satellite branches, projects, budgets and/or collections, and lots of enquiries. However, my key activities have involved knowledge management, information literacy training, and current awareness.
Earlier in my career I worked as a librarian in the National Knowledge Service and National Electronic Library for Health. I managed four virtual specialist libraries (Knowledge Management, Commissioning, Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, and Neurological Conditions), and was involved in the creation of the Diagnostics Specialist Library.
Later I became a Knowledge Management Associate in the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, Warwick. I created a current awareness product, and a monthly Expert on Call webinar, where innovation and improvement experts would write an editorial about their work and a month later would lead a webinar giving more detail and examples.
In my current role, I perform literature searches and assist with systematic reviews. I write evidence summaries and deliver information skills training to public health staff in England. I also produce our current awareness products for healthy ageing, mental health, musculoskeletal health, global health security, extreme weather events, and infection. 
I had never worked in public health before, and while it was a steep learning curve, my varied career has benefitted the organisation, bringing my wealth of different expertise, knowledge, and connections to my work.
I was originally employed in UKHSA as the Knowledge and Evidence Specialist (KES) for the South West, and we have recently moved from regional KES to topic KES. I am now responsible for Health Protection Operations, which includes Global Health. As part of my professional development, I am the Evidence Lead for the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) Evidence for Global and Disaster Health Special Interest Group. This has strengthened my skills and my service offer to UKHSA, particularly during outbreaks, because I work with librarians at NICE, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, Public Health Ontario in Canada, and the World Health Organization. Together, we build robust search strategies so that we can find the best evidence for our library users. We also share what we are working on, so that we can report back to our organisations and avoid research wastage through duplication of effort. 
Clinical librarianship is very clear-cut. There are no ambiguities to the questions we are asked to find the evidence for, for example: What are the best interventions for treating cardiovascular disease? How do you manage diabetes in children?  In public health, you consider socio-economic backgrounds and other agencies, within the management of public health issues, e.g. local government, education boards, food agencies, etc. For example, air pollution can cause asthma, so you have to think about town planning, environmental health, traffic, housing, etc. You must identify other information sources, broader than those related to just health. It is a very interesting field, and I feel I am constantly learning and thinking out of the box to find a solution. 
I love my career choice, and I am so lucky to have had so many amazing opportunities. Every day is different, often challenging, but so rewarding at the same time. I feel proud that my work contributes to the health security of the public and improving the nation’s health.

As a team we belong to many different email discussion lists and forums, such as the Expert Searchers Mailing List, and I sign-up to relevant newsletters. We have working groups on different themes, such as artificial intelligence, and information science group, and we come together to share our knowledge and experiences. If we attend a conference, we participate in a session called Show and Tell, where we share our key learning from that conference. I also attend webinars to keep up to date on new technologies and methods of working. I think it is important to learn from others and apply good practices to improve our work processes.
I have had a rich education, so I do not think I need to obtain further qualifications, although I am tempted to undertake a qualification in public and/or global health, so I get a better understanding of our field. I try to attend free activities and/or learn from my colleagues. I act as a mentor for colleagues, and I often find that one of the benefits of this activity, is that I also learn from them. I belong to a number of networks, including Healthcare Information For All, European Association for Libraries and Health Information, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Evidence for Global and Disaster Health, and the Global Evidence Commission, hosted by McMaster University.

Librarianship/information science is such a positive career. It encourages openness, transparency, high standards and it empowers people to make informed decisions. There is something for everyone in this career. Librarianship, particularly medical/health librarianship, can be such a rapidly changing field, because of all the new technological developments/issues, such as artificial intelligence, mis-/dis-information, information overload, etc. and this can sometimes be daunting. Health librarians have to be flexible, ready for change, up to date, and approachable. They are in a very strong position in an organisation. They are neutral parties, and people come to them for assistance when writing publications, business cases, etc. They connect people who are working on similar projects, which leads to more efficient working practices for the organisation, and a stronger workforce, because teams work together. However, if you are more introverted, you can specialise in particular aspects of information science, such as cataloguing or document supply. Both are more behind the scenes, but still vitally important to library services, because without access to the full-text content, decisions cannot be fully informed. I highly recommend information science as a career. I have written chapters, articles, and co-written a book. I have presented regionally, nationally, and internationally. When I left education, I could never have imagined how much I would achieve in my career. There have been so many amazing opportunities, and I have worked with the most inspiring people. There are opportunities for everyone, whatever their skillset or educational background.

I wanted to work in occupational psychology after a third-year module on work psychology during my BSc and knew it was the career for me. It hit me hard that we will all be working for a significant part of our lives, and I wanted to be part of making that a better experience. I studied a BSc in psychology and then completed a MSc in occupational psychology. After securing my first role in occupational psychology, I started our qualification to become a chartered psychologist. This qualification is now called the British Psychological Society Qualification in Occupational Psychology Stage 2. Our chartership routeway is an applied professional qualification, which you complete whilst at work and under the supervision of a Chartered Psychologist. I did this while working in the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is a huge benefit to working in the Government Occupational Psychology Profession, that we pay for and support people to become chartered. It took me four years to complete all the requirements and I achieved this in 2008. When the UK regulator for psychologists (the Health and Care Professions Council) opened in 2010, I became a Registered Occupational Psychologist. More recently, I have completed a professional doctorate in occupational psychology.

After my MSc in Occupational Psychology, I worked for the university of Sheffield as a research assistant. I delivered a six-month change management project with Rolls-Royce and then supported academic staff at the university for a further six months. In 2005 my career in the Civil Service began. I joined as a higher psychologist in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) delivering and managing complex research programmes to underpin Armed Forces personnel policy. It was a fantastic job and a pivotal moment from which my whole Civil Service career started. I had another job offer, which would have taken me in a whole different direction, but I’m so glad I chose the Civil Service. This work enabled me to complete my chartership qualification, which is required before I could apply for senior psychologist roles. I secured this promotion in the MOD moving to a different role supporting overseas postings and also delivering a variety of projects in the HR team, e.g. on leadership, wellbeing and change. This led to my move out of designated occupational psychology posts into broader HR roles where I could apply my occupational psychology skills and secure further promotions over 10 years.
I enjoyed many different HR roles in talent management and leadership development in the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and then in HM Courts & Tribunals Service and the Ministry of Justice in employee engagement, learning and development, and organisational development. This switch from designated psychology posts to HR was a pivotal career moment for me. It has given me broader skills, enabled me to stretch how I apply psychology, and understand how the Civil Service works. All of my previous roles and experience have come together for me in my current role as DWP’s Chief Psychologist and head of profession for occupational psychology, which I started in February 2023.
I am back in a designated psychology post surrounded by psychologists, which feels amazing. But it is my 10 years in HR that really helps me deliver the breadth of the job including communicating our science to non-psychologists, identifying opportunities to make an impact, building the skills and capability of our profession, and navigating change successfully.  There are three parts to my job. First, I lead a small team that gives evidence-based, specialist occupational psychology input to make more effective public policy and operational implementation decisions. Secondly, I provide professional leadership for our cadre of work psychologists who work in Jobcentre Plus delivering employment support for some of our most vulnerable customers. Then, as DWP head of profession, I represent our profession’s interests internally and across government on issues such as pay, capability and grading. I am also privileged to be the Head of the Government Occupational Psychology Profession, representing 250+ members.

Occupational Psychology is an applied discipline underpinned by evidence-based practice. It is vital we maintain our knowledge base and professional skills. My current team is an expert advisory service for DWP policy officials. We read current literature, attend seminars/events, and listen to podcasts to stay current. It is important for us not just to hold all the knowledge – we disseminate our science in a number of ways. For example, we create a monthly summary of a relevant psychology research or theory to our policy colleagues.
It is important to think broadly about continuing professional development – it doesn’t all have to be about conferences or courses. A vital source of development and opportunity for professional reflection is our own 250 Government Occupational Psychology Profession members. There’s a wealth of knowledge and experience amongst them. As the Head of the Government Occupational Psychology Profession, I chair our profession’s board. A key development opportunity for our profession is our annual learning programme including a conference. This is an excellent source of in-house professional development for our members. I also have a strong network with psychologists in academia, who I draw on for expert insight for our work. My most recent large educational investment in myself was completing my professional doctorate in 2019.

The Government Occupational Psychology Profession’s requirements in terms of qualifications, behaviours, and skills are detailed in our Skills & Standards. I’d recommend people interested in our profession read this document first and then talk to any of us. We are all very supportive of new colleagues thinking of pursuing a career in occupational psychology. Key skills are an evidence-based approach, curiosity, intellectual humility, and being an ambassador for our profession. It’s also important not to forget we are an applied discipline not a theoretical one – we need to understand the organisations in which we work and breadth of work experience aid that. A zig zag career where we move in and out of professional roles only supports our delivery as psychologists. Being a psychologist is a way of operating not a job title. We will soon be launching our career pathway and employee value proposition, which will be hosted on the above website.

My recent qualification includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Practitioner Forensic Psychology. I also hold a PGCert in Forensic Mental Health Studies, and an MSc in Forensic Psychology and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology. My educational background has offered a combination of theorised evidence-based knowledge in relation to the field of psychology. By completing specific postgraduate qualifications in the field of forensic psychology, I have received professional training in forensic psychology, combining expertise from academics, practitioners and the applied work context. My background so far, including the training opportunities available within HMPPS, has enhanced both my clinical and future employability. What attracted me to this technical area is my aspirations to support those at a greater need of rehabilitation, whilst also fulfilling the overarching aim of protecting the public. Becoming a scientist-practitioner in forensic settings has enabled me to do just that. In my career so far, I have developed prior and current knowledge of intervention services, risk assessments and the role of a professional witness in parole board hearings in relation to a range of forensic clients (such as indeterminate, determinate, extended determinate and lifer clients), sentenced with different offending typologies. I have completed training in a range of psychological assessment tools and within the discipline of forensic psychology.

My career began as an Approved Premises Supervisor where I was responsible for supervising high-risk offenders in a residential setting (probation hostel) who have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more (including lifers) or have been released from custody on  bail. I have worked in male hostels who accommodated forensic clients with violent index offences (including guns and gangs, those who have committed sexual offences, arsonists, murder and manslaughter). I have also worked in a specialist female hostel for individuals with personality difficulties supervised under the Psychologically Informed Planned Environment (PIPE) model (1 year). I then progressed to become a Probation Services Officer for the National Probation Service, where my primary role was offender management for individuals on community licence or who have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more (2 years). My roles included clinical assessment, sentence planning, implementation, review, evaluation and enforcement of sentences on a caseload of clients. I also provided and obtained information at court and formal hearings as a representative of the Probation Service through the provision of assessment advice and producing verbal and written presentence reports to court (magistrates’ and Crown Court). The pivotal moments or decision that shaped my career was deciding to join the National Probation Service during the transforming rehabilitation strategy for reform. This decision enabled me to get my foot through the door where I eventually obtained my trainee forensic psychologist role. The most interesting role so far has been to drive and develop a counter terrorism (CT) led service, which requires me to work alongside a range of staff of varying disciplines and roles. In this role, I am required to consult on the resources and need required to deliver CT-based work, whilst also being mindful to keep accurate records to ensure that risk assessments, interventions and additional support are allocated in a timely manner and crucially, they address individual needs and presenting risks. I have enjoyed the CT-informed role because it enables me to use my analytical and clinical skills in order to do my best to counter terrorism and protect the public; a role and position that I am proud of and passionate about.

I stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends relevant to my field through being part of the British Psychological Society and following advice, guidance and responsibilities stipulated by my governing body. I am also fortunate to have many opportunities open to me through our Psychology Services Group network, which offer professional development opportunities, though these are also available through HMPPS also.

Although the competition may be high, if you have strong aspirations of becoming a forensic psychologist and accessing your training through the support of HMPPS, then I would advise you to persevere. The staff force is huge and there will be opportunities from which to advance your career, such as via the Probation Service both in and outside of the prison context. The skills, mindset and attributes that would be crucial for success are, in my view, showing diligence, commitment and organisation skills, having a good knowledge of the legal and justice system and the psychological understanding of criminal behaviour, an understanding of rehabilitative efforts and how you can contribute as a practitioner to enable desistance from criminality or towards protecting the public.

I have an MSc in Forensic Psychology and an MSc in Occupational Psychology. I am a HCPC Registered Psychologist and a BPS Chartered Psychologist. This has enabled me to develop my career – starting as a psychologist practitioner and developing into a manager of psychology services and into a leadership role. I was attracted to this area after somewhat randomly choosing to study psychology at A-level and quickly realising how interesting it was and wanting to make this my career.

I studied for my psychology degree while in my early 20s after working in retail. After graduating I worked in local government and health research until I joined the Prison Service as a trainee psychologist and then achieved Chartered Psychologist status after around three years. I started out working with young offenders which I found hugely rewarding as well as an excellent learning experience. I gradually took on more senior roles in which I combined direct clinical work with prisoners and managed staff and as a part of the senior management team, contributed to a range of areas of service delivery. I also supported the learning and development of forensic psychologists in training. In 2011, I was promoted to work as a regional lead psychologist where I oversaw a restructure of psychology services and led a large geographically dispersed team.
I moved to my current position in 2020. This role involves leading psychology services in the North of England. I also have key responsibilities for the strategic management of Offending Behaviour Programmes delivered in custody. I am currently involved in a large-scale change programme as Custody Implementation Lead for the next generation of accredited programmes. This has been one of the most interesting and challenging roles I have undertaken. It requires a detailed knowledge of the delivery landscape and which key stakeholders to engage with, consideration of ethical practice, relationship management and communication, working with many partners. My role also involves a great deal of horizon scanning and risk management at both local and national levels. This will impact on the lives of prisoners who access offending behaviour programmes and the staff who are involved in delivery. The aim ultimately is to make prisons and society a safer place due to better opportunities to reduce the risk of reoffending.

I learn a great deal from discussions with colleagues from across and outside of HMPPS. This includes psychologists and other professionals. I read relevant literature and attend conferences and training events. I need to keep abreast of developments in clinical practice and in relation to leadership and personal development. More recently, I undertook an MSc in Occupational Psychology to broaden my knowledge and so that I could apply this learning to my work.

Keep an open mind about areas to work in – you might find a niche in an area you hadn’t considered. Treat all interactions with people as an opportunity to learn. Think about the context within which you’re working and how you can pragmatically bring about change.

I have all the necessary qualifications to be a practising Forensic Psychologist. This includes an Open University degree in Psychology, BPS Stage 1 qualification in Forensic Psychology (Master’s equivalent) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Practitioner Forensic Psychologist (HCPC Registered). I am currently completing a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology to develop my knowledge and application in research.

I was inspired to become a Forensic Psychologist after a chance conversation with a Trainee Clinical Psychologist and after watching a documentary about individuals that have committed multiple murders. This left me wondering how some people are capable of doing horrific things to others and show little to no remorse. I started by completing an A-level in psychology and then went on to complete a psychology degree with the Open University whilst working as a Statistics Officer in my local magistrates’ court. I did this role for four years to gain experience in the criminal justice sector. I then secured a role as a Psychological Assistant for HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and worked regionally for four years supporting the Regional Lead Psychologist. I then moved to a new prison that was about to open to help set up their psychology and offending behaviour programmes department. The prison (where I am still based) is specifically for those who have committed sexual offences. During this time, I completed my psychology degree and then I was supported by my employer to complete the British Psychological Society Stage 1 qualification (Master’s equivalent) and required entry level qualifications to start training as a Forensic Psychologist. My next career move was to secure a Trainee Forensic Psychologist role and I moved prisons to work with prisoners who had committed violent offences. After 18 months I returned to the prison I worked in previously, which is where I work today. I qualified as a Forensic Psychologist in 2017 and was promoted to Senior Forensic Psychologist in 2020. My current role involves offering clinical oversight for the offending behaviour programmes unit as well as line management and supervision for Trainee Forensic Psychologists. I complete psychological risk assessments and deliver therapy to individuals living with an offence related sexual interest. I am on the senior leadership team of my prison and offer advice regionally to Governors as a Negotiator Advisor during critical incidents such as hostage situations.

 I am a committee member of the British Psychological Societies Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP) on a voluntary basis which is supported by my employer. This offers me a chance to contribute to the wider field of psychology and mix with other psychologists outside of HMPPS. I attend the Division of Forensic Psychology DFP Conference as a committee member and I am a member of the HMPPS East Psychology Research Board. I am currently completing a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology to extend my knowledge and application of research.

 Being a Forensic Psychologist is a long and tough route, but very rewarding and offers a real variety of work. Talk to people that are already doing the job and find out what they enjoy about the role and what they find challenging. You will need resilience and determination, but it will be worth it!

I didn’t start out thinking that I wanted to be a scientist or work in academia. I wanted to work in Geneva solving the world’s problems! 
However, as I progressed through my undergraduate degree in European politics (with economics), I increasingly understood that problems are usually more complex than they first seem. By drawing on many perspectives, such as social history, behavioural science, economics and other fields, I found that we often see symptoms of underlying problems, and that to tackle those systemically and sustainably you need to understand those underlying issues and drivers.
My undergraduate supervisor (who became a mentor and close friend) drove me to do interesting work in my thesis – and further sparked my interest in the role of research in tackling societal challenges. She encouraged me to apply for a PhD, and I got a scholarship to pursue this. So, I went to Cambridge to complete my PhD in the department of social and political sciences. It was interdisciplinary, but I studied lots of social psychology to understand people, social systems, and influences that drive behaviour. 

I actually wanted to be a professional ballet dancer, but I was injured when I was 16 so couldn’t pursue this as a career. So, I took some of the drive and discipline I’d learnt as a dancer into my career as a researcher. I started my career as an academic and had lectureships whilst doing my PhD. During this period, I was attracted to applied policy research, and after a few years as a traditional academic, I joined RAND, an independent not-for-profit policy research organisation focused on policy and operational challenges. I found this intellectually satisfying and professionally exciting, and I stayed for nearly 10 years (helping grow the organisation significantly, opening the Brussels office to work across the EU, and increasing the percentage of women from around 20% to over 50%). This was such a formative part of my career, learning a range of methodologies, working with policy makers and working in multidisciplinary teams to utilise expertise (including world leaders in their academic fields).
I then went to King’s College London as a Professor and Director of Research then Director of the Policy Institute. Policy impact was high on university agenda, and King’s was an early adopter – wanting someone used to working with policy makers, but able to bring rigorous research to bear. I was then asked to run the Economic and Social Research Council (the UK’s largest funder of economic and social research) as the Executive Chair, bringing a focus on interdisciplinary and cross sector issues in addition to fundamental science. 
From there I moved to my role at the Home Office. At RAND, my main areas of focus were drug policy, illicit markets and trafficking, reducing reoffending and serious organised crime. So, when I had the chance to come to the Home Office as Chief Scientific Adviser, it felt like too good an opportunity to pass up.
I love all the projects on my current agenda. But I will highlight an earlier example which was both intellectually challenging and highly impactful. The project investigated the economic impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and was funded by the Wellcome Trust as part of the Independent Review of AMR led by Lord Jim O’Neill. 
The scope included the impact of antimicrobial resistance on illness, the numbers of deaths and the impact on society. This was interesting intellectually as it pulled across several fields of science from the clinical, for example understanding hospital transmission, to the social, including labour market economics. 
We put in place a multidisciplinary team, including the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and built a model to look at what could happen, finding that the cost could be trillions in lost productivity and the cost of care. Lord O’Neill fed back that this was one of the most impactful pieces of work he’d been involved with as it enabled him and the Chief Medical Officer to meet with heads of state around the world, galvanising support to tackle the problem. 
We were proud of this, as it showed the value of applying diverse methods and disciplines to big questions with important consequences globally.

Teams in the Home Office are doing fantastic work and give me insights on innovation they’re working on. The Chief Scientific Advisers network have people present and we discuss our areas of interest. The Home Office Scientific Advisory Council surface new developments, and I also access emerging technology trend reports. My favourite newsletter is the MIT technology review, which has really interesting, accessible and helpful information on new tech and new applications, and the challenges that people have faced.

My key piece of advice is notice when you’re passionate about something, and when things pique your curiosity. If you follow this, you can do your best work as it feels like a privilege to be involved (which is how I feel about this job).
I would also encourage noticing people who give helpful advice and inspire you – draw from them. Learn from these role models and look to provide this support to others as you progress.