“I realised that academic success was not the same as wisdom”
Your Loughborough Story
- Can you tell us about your memories of your time at Loughborough Grammar School?
I mostly enjoyed my time. I recall with most pleasure history lessons with “Neddy”, going to and from classes in the Tower. House matches at rugby and hockey, school plays, the orchestra when we played well together, the classroom in RA & 5A in the former science block, editing the “Loughburian”, cycling under the barrier in front of the High School girls, getting a thorough grounding in French & German from CPT and in Latin from “Mooks”, CCF especially the camps, the walking holidays with Ted Taylor & Peter Hopkins in the Yorkshire Dales
2. If not answered above, what is your fondest memory from School?
1. The bond between the very disparate ages of the cast in “The Admirable Crichton”
2. Running the catering for about 40 cadets at a CCF summer camp
3. How did your time at Loughborough Grammar School influence your life and career?
I realised that academic success was not the same as wisdom.
4. How would you describe school in three words?
academic. sporty. traditional
Alumni Career Wisdom
- What led you to choose your career path?
A Principal from the Home Office spoke to a group of us about the Civil Service in my last year at Oxford. It looked like my sort of work.
- Could you provide an outline of your job role?
Recently – consulting small charities about improving their ability to understand what success looks like & how to measure it effectively.
In my career – devising & delivering policies, programme & project & people management, strategic planning
- What are your career highlights?
Negotiating the Single market deal for indirect taxes at the Ecofin meeting in November 1989.
Being made a Commissioner & Board member of HM Customs & Excise
Being a private secretary to 2 Cabinet Ministers
Transforming the HR service in Defra
Making the first compounded penalty of over £1m for a Customs offence
Making lifelong friendships
- What’s one piece of advice you would give to current pupils thinking about entering a similar role to yourself?
Do you want to be part of the same institution for much of your working life?
- What job search tips would you give to pupils looking for a career in your industry?
Civil Service recruitment.
- What are the key skills you need for your job role/to work in your industry?
Emotional intelligence
Adaptability & resilience
Good analytical skills
Good presentational skills – in person & on paper
Good listening skills
The ability to live with the fact that what you think is the right solution may not be the one chosen, sometimes for reasons you strongly disagree with
Final notes
- What ambitions would you still like to realise?
To get the book “Through Fire” which I wrote form 1976-2006 published & the film rights sold.
- Do you have any advice for current pupils/graduates who don’t know what to career path to follow?
Carry out as much research as you can. Speak to people in the sectors in which you might be interested.
3. Do you have any hobbies that keep you busy in your spare time?
Writing, trail running, playing & writing music, gardening, grandparenting
