How did you get into this role?

"I initially trained as a vet, but after three years decided to take a break. I started training to become an accountant and discovered that I really enjoyed finance and accountancy. Opportunities led me to take a role with Network Rail on an alliancing project and I’ve been in rail ever since. Working for rail is an interesting and rewarding career, delivering something tangible with a real impact on people’s lives."

Why RSSB?

"As an independent body, RSSB is vital in the new railway structure. I was excited by the opportunity to join RSSB at a really critical time, being part of the leadership team taking RSSB into the new control period (CP7)."

What do you most enjoy about your current role?

"Finance is a big part of the conversation in rail. There are always new questions to answer and issues to resolve. Past roles have enabled me to understand the businesses I’ve work for and be involved. Now in a more senior role, I have the opportunity to influence key decisions, which I find satisfying, interesting and challenging."

What are your possible career opportunities?

"I am keen to establish myself as a key member of the senior executive team here and to grow as a leader with this more strategic-focused role. My next growth step will be to secure a place on the RSSB board, something I am looking to achieve over the coming year."

What skills have you developed at RSSB?

"I learn something new every day, especially about new technical areas of rail from RSSB’s many experts. I’ve developed my personal and leadership skills and improved some specific areas of finance where I had less experience, such as pension scheme management. I am purposefully increasing my knowledge by completing training, speaking to experts, and most importantly, asking lots of questions."

Key achievements or career highlights at RSSB?

"I’ve only been at RSSB a few months so it’s difficult to talk about key achievements or career highlights so far. However, my most nerve-wracking moment was getting up to speak at the summer conference. This was a fabulous event with so many faces all together, celebrating what we do at RSSB.

My biggest single deliverable over the next year is going to be ensuring there is a financially sustainable CP7 plan that works for members, the industry and for RSSB as a business. It’s a tight timeline, but I am confident that we will achieve a successful outcome."