Tell us a bit about you?

I love being a civil servant and the variety of roles you are able to take on across your career.  I have two children who keep my busy and I also love keeping bees and being outside whenever I can.

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Did you study after leaving school?

I studied History and Economic and Social History at the University of Glasgow and then did a Mphil in Early Modern History.

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What and where was your first significant job?

I worked throughout my time at University (on a local paper; in Gap; in the House of Commons Library and in pubs) but my first full time job was at the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts which is part of the National Archives family in London. 

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When did you join the Scottish Government and what was the role?

I first worked in the Scottish Government in 2006 and worked to support our Enterprise Agencies.

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Is this your current position? If not, tell us about your current role at SG?

No – I have worked in other Government Departments within the UK Government as well as a number of SG roles.  I am currently working on Tackling Child Poverty and improving Financial Wellbeing which is a really important area which I hope makes a difference to children and households in Scotland. 

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What first attracted you to working at government or in the public sector?

The chance to make  a real difference; support the Government of the day with their agenda as well as the variety of opportunities available.

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What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no typical day – sometimes you will be speaking to colleagues; Ministers or stakeholders; working with my team to develop policies or making sure that the outcomes that we want to achieve are having the impact that we want them to. 

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What do you like most about your current job?

The mix of policies I get to work on as well as the opportunity to lead and develop my wonderful team, helping them to flourish in their own jobs. 

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What is your working pattern?

I have worked full time; part time and have co-led teams with colleagues.  Currently I work compressed hours over four days. 

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What do you think is the best thing about working at Scottish Government?

Working with committed colleagues who want to make a difference. 

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What has been your career highlight so far?

Being a civil servant has always been a privilege and I have so many career highlights given the wonderful opportunities I have had across the Civil Service.  However, if I had to pick one I would say working on the arrangements following the Queen’s death in Scotland which was called Operation Unicorn.

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What career advice would you give your younger self?

Go through doors when they open and have more confidence in what you are able to achieve.