What does your role involve?

As Programme Lead for the Nuclear Skills Strategy Board (NSSB), I work with our partners and our small but perfectly formed support team to translate strategic priorities into well-defined programmes of work and manage the projects through to successful delivery.

What did you do before you joined Cogent Skills?

I spent six years working for a not-for-profit organisation working with engineering to inspire tomorrow’s engineers and increase the number and diversity of young people entering the industry.

What does a typical day look like?

No day starts without coffee! After that, my focus was making sure we hit the milestones across several projects. Most recently, this has involved working with stakeholders to highlight the challenges and solutions for high-risk skills, such as radiological protection and welding. More broadly, I build relationships with people across the sector who are involved in tackling the same challenges, helping ensure our work aligns and maximising our impact.

What has been your most enjoyable experience at Cogent Skills?

It must be the recent away day – meeting and getting to know the wider team and discovering more about Cogent Skills’ work was an absolute joy. It was probably the best away day I’ve ever been on!

What has been your biggest challenge?

Tackling the skill gaps for nuclear is hugely important for the sector as they are already feeling the pain of not having enough capacity and capability in the most at-risk professions (even before the predicted growth over the next few years). This urgency means deadlines are tight, and many organisations are pushing to find solutions. Meeting these deadlines and bringing people on the journey isn’t easy, but I’m proud of the work we’re doing to meet the ambitions of the UK’s nuclear sector.

What are you looking forward to working on in the year ahead?

I can’t wait to see the hard work on project development transforming into delivery. Working with brilliant people to solve the biggest skills challenges for the sector – and, through our work, help to ensure the security, prosperity and resilience of our nation – makes me very proud.

How do you spend your time outside work?

I sing in a bluegrass band called The Bluebirds, and I enjoy being part of my daughter’s football journey: she’s just signed up for Newcastle United Women’s FC, and I can’t wait for the season to start!