Ex-forces colleague, Corporate Governance
“The skills, knowledge and flexibility that come with being ex-service personnel have been a real catalyst for my career within FCDO Services. I started as a Technical Installer – and today I head up the Chief Operating Officer’s office.
Before I came here though, I spent 22 years in the military in a variety of roles, predominantly in the administration and technical fields. Then, in 2005, I left the Army as a Warrant Officer and joined FCDO Services.
The skills, knowledge and flexibility that come with being ex-service personnel have been a real catalyst for my career within FCDO Services.
Initially, as I mentioned, I joined the team as a Technical Installer. I’d be working with customers like the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to provide technical desktop and server fit-outs, as well as providing new structured cabling and other technical equipment.
What I found out quite quickly was that, with the skills I’d gained in the military, I was in a really good position to be able to organise teams and equipment to be deployed on time for smooth installations across the globe. And of course, I got to travel to do the actual work, as well.
I was in a really good position to be able to organise teams and equipment to be deployed on time for smooth installations across the globe.
Within twelve months, I’d moved from a fixed-term into a full-time contract, and at that point, I found the opportunity to use my management skills on a wider scale. I was looking at the wider business area I worked for, and helping align our work with the overall strategy for the whole organisation.
Now, heading up the Chief Operating Officer’s office, I have influence across the business. I liaise with the senior directors and with our CEO, as well as running Assurance, Compliance, Governance, Security and H&S for a specific business group – all with an impact on how FCDO Services delivers for its customers worldwide.
