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FirstGroup
Avanti West Coast

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Top Insider Advice

Your professional reputation is about you and will follow you throughout your career, it's important to protect it. Sometimes you may not agree professionally with business decisions or strategy. You should never let an employer feel like you have to compromise your professional integrity to aid your popularity within the company to secure promotions. It is important to check the values of the company you are seeking employment with and make sure they are a good fit for you. Research how others have rated working for the company you are considering taking a position at. Don't always think about the salary, there is much more to it in order to ensure your success and happiness within a company. Ensure you work for a company who value you and will help you develop your professional career and thrive.

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Career path

Group Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), FirstGroup

FirstGroup

From 04/2023 to 05/2025

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

Collaborating in a complex enterprise of integrated applications and systems to provide strategy on cyber security maturity, IT resilience, whilst navigating the necessities of data security regulatory compliance requirements to ensure safe, compliant, accessible, available services to employees and customers.

Greatest achievements

Working as a Cyber Security Manager advising an IT Team to prevent any outbreak of WannaCry within a NHS Trust and NHS Data Centre, when it crippled other NHS organisations and businesses globally. Successfully preventing any impact to the delivery of NHS services provided by the Trust I was employed by, at the time WannaCry hit, which was the first global cyber attack and first significant UK Cyber attack.

Other Insiders

Paul S

Top Insider Advice

I would encourage anyone who wants to pursue a career as a Train Driver...Go for it. You will not regret it. From the very early shifts to the late ones; every drive brings its own challenges. This is something that still excites me when I get to drive. I have played an active part in answering recruitment questions in the past as well as delivering training to trainee drivers. So the application process will all be worth it once you sit in the driving seat. We’re determined to make a difference. We’ve worked with the LGBTQ+ community and our Inclusion Council to raise the bar. At Avanti West Coast, we’re committed to creating a team that works for all of us. We know it’s not enough to say it – we must live it too. Every single day. That’s why we’ve introduced Live Proud. In a world where anyone can be anything, we all want the opportunity to be ourselves. That’s why we’re encouraging colleagues, customers and communities to share their spark. And when it comes to Pride, we’re proud to stand out. If you have been thinking about applying, come and share your spark and join our amazing community.

Bernard K

Top Insider Advice

To allow and develop a potential candidate's career, one must be willing to accept change. Although it is not possible to change careers overnight, it is possible to change direction of a career overnight. For a candidate to ensure effective career changes, following must be adhered to: a) Identify potential strengths and weaknesses: Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can help you identify the areas where you need to improve and the areas where you can excel. b) Set SMART goals: Setting clear goals can help one stay focused and motivated. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. c) Developing your skills: Continuously developing your skills can help you stay competitive in the job market. Consider enrolling to various courses, attending workshops, or reading books to develop your skills. d) Network: Networking is an essential part of building a successful career. Attend organisation events, join professional organizations, and connect with people in your field. e) Be adaptable: The job market is constantly changing, and it’s important to be adaptable. Be open to new opportunities and be willing to learn new skills. f) Be persistent: Building a successful career takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks or rejections. Keep working hard and stay focused on your goal.

Alice O

Top Insider Advice

The only way to learn how to do a job is to ask questions from those around you. No question is a silly question. Also putting yourself out there asking questions, getting your voice heard helps establish your presence within an organisation and can help you progress your career further

Discussions with Claire S
Is there a possibility of working flexibly in your role?
in Career Tips·Thursday, September 21, 2023
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3 responses
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What are, in your opinion, the main advantages of working here?
in Career Tips·Monday, September 25, 2023
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3 responses
1433 views
What skills have you gained since you joined?
in Career Tips·Friday, September 22, 2023
2 responses
86 views
How is success evaluated in this role?
in Career progression·Tuesday, August 15, 2023
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2 responses
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