As Parliamentary officer I have an externally facing role. I liaise with the Home Office; mainly with NPIA's sponsor unit in the Home Office (Police Powers and Protection Unit), the Parliamentary & Briefing Delivery Unit, Direct Communications Unit, and Ministers' private offices.

My work involves coordinating the responses to work generated by Parliament. This includes: Parliamentary Questions tabled by MPs, letters from MPs to Home Office Ministers/NPIA's CEO, briefing material for Ministers/NPIA's CEO, and submissions to Ministers.

The work we do is reactionary; one moment there may be just routine work to do, and then urgent work will come from the Home Office or No10. We need to react quickly, to coordinate the work that is required from the different business units whose areas the work falls into, quality assess the work they send back to us, and clear the work with the CEO, before returning the final approved material.

We also often have many conflicting deadlines and have to balance many different priorities at once. I enjoy my work because no two days are the same. The areas we work on will differ day-to-day, and in the Private Office we get a good oversight of the work generated throughout the Agency.

Recent areas that have received Parliamentary interest include police helicopters, Missing Persons, the National DNA Database and Stop and Search- quite a range! I am also lucky to work in a strong, supportive team, who are always on hand to offer help and advice.

I enjoy being based in central London and it's nice to see Big Ben on the way to work everyday. Whilst in this role I completed my Certificate in Public Sector Delivery. This 6 month course covered modules in: Working with Ministers; Policy Analysis, Development and Evaluation; Communication and Presentation Skills; Handling Parliament; Leadership and People Management Skills; Project Management; Media Training; Strategic Thinking Skills and Core Financial Skills. This course covered many of the important skills needed to work in the public sector and I gained knowledge which supported me in fulfilling my role.

Prior to working at NPIA I did an MSc degree in Forensic Science at Kings College London, before that I did a BSc in Microbiology at the University of Bristol. As part of my MSc, I completed a research project with the Metropolitan Police, which enhanced my interest in policing in general, as well as in forensic science. After finishing my degree, I wanted to work in the NPIA so that I would be at the heart of policing and forensics.

Eventually I would like to move into the policy area of forensic science and DNA. I would like to use the knowledge I gained in my degree in a real policy making setting. Working in the Secretariat has given me a good grounding for working in the NPIA and I probably have a better idea than most about the many different areas of work that NPIA is involved in, and how the different Business Units fit in together.

My job entails acting as a business partner for the Operations Directorate, providing them with the marketing and communications plans and work they need to promote their products and services. Writing the marketing plans for the individual areas and also supporting them on a tactical basis as and when required.  The main challenge in my role is ensuring all parts of the directorate are supported equally. I also need to have a good working knowledge of a broad range of specialised areas.

I enjoy the variety of the work and the people, because both are so diverse. As it's a new role, I enjoy the fact that I can make the job my own and take responsibility for my actions. I also enjoy getting out and about visiting other NPIA sites and meeting new colleagues.  

I'm quite new to the role and in my first four months I've attended a PDR evidence course, a SAP course and a writing skills course, as well as the useful corporate induction. More is planned, and it's good to know I'll be 'invested in' and encouraged to develop further.  Right now, I need to continue getting my product-knowledge up to speed as I'm still learning so much about the NPIA and policing in general. In the longer-term, I'd probably like to be involved in a more overall 'corporate' role, supplying strategic marketing plans for the agency as a whole, but that's very much in the future at this stage.

I have over twenty years experience in marketing, but there are always fresh challenges to overcome as marketing techniques develop according to technology and the economy. I've been able to apply many aspects of my experience to the role, which have been well-received, so it's good to be able to apply proven techniques while learning new ones at the same time.

In terms of hobbies and interests I play bass guitar in a couple of original rock bands, and have a growing collection of guitars - 15 at last count! I also enjoy driving and own a 1971 Citroen SM, which is quite special. I collect loads of things, including ceramics from the 1950's and 1960's, such as Midwinter. I'm also a member of the Twentieth Century Society, which is a charity that exists to preserve post-war buildings (yes, I'm a lover and supporter of the tall concrete buildings most people despise!). Oh, and I have an amazing son named Sebastian, who's nearly four...

I work in the Research team and am first point of contact for all enquiries in respect of our products and services.  The team capture appropriate details from all enquiries received and undertake research to resolve those that are requests for information. Enquiries requiring specialist advice or support are allocated to the appropriate advice team.

One of the main challenges within my role includes keeping up to date with NPIA products and services, as well as making sure that I deliver a response to enquirers within a specific deadline, which can be hindered by delayed responses from external sources. Another challenge is to effectively manage daily enquiries from police forces with ongoing research projects.

One of the aspects that I enjoy in my role is liaising with law enforcement agencies, as it is interesting to see the type of investigations that are affecting individual forces, as well as undertaking research projects for forward transmission to police officers and other law enforcement agencies.

To enable me to carry out my role I have had the opportunity to attend career development workshops, operational debriefs and research courses.

My background prior to joining the NPIA was from a non policing arena. I graduated from University in 2007 with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Criminology and enjoyed the researching modules which were included within my degree programme and knew that I wanted to pursue a career within that field.

Looking to the future I would like to remain within the Policing Arena and enhance and develop upon the skills I have gained as a research specialist within the analytical or investigative field.

My outside interest and hobbies include keeping fit, socialising with friends, going to the theatre and lots of retail therapy!

I joined NPIA as a senior analyst and was only promoted to principal analyst at the start of September, so my short to medium term aspirations are to make a success of my new role.

My role gives me project management responsibility for scoping and creating a professional development programme for analysts and researchers working in forces.  This includes the creation of minimum standards for recruitment and continuous professional development as well as jointly managing the development of a professional network of analysts, researchers and scanners across the NPIA, police service and partner agencies.

I am also jointly responsible for the creation and development of a skilled and knowledgeable team that will deliver national strategic products that will inform NPIA and the police service of the policing environment and evaluate options for policing improvement.

In terms of challenges they are many and varied, but include:

• Balancing the requirements/expectations of forces and the requirements/expectations of NPIA and ACPO
• Encouraging 43+ forces to engage with what you are trying to achieve in the common good
• Identifying areas of cross over and common interest between your own and other NPIA projects and programmes
• Working in a perpetually changing landscape with rapidly changing priorities and drivers
• Maintaining knowledge and understanding of the issues facing your colleagues in forces, when no longer working in that environment.

The role is ideal if you are looking to get a broader view on analysis and policing, beyond the boundaries of one force are.  I have a unique opportunity to co-ordinate national level analytical products and to influence decision making at ACPO level.

I have found NPIA a very reflective and thought provoking place to work, and while joining an agency in its early stages is always tricky at times, it has been interesting to see how it has developed.  I feel valued and recognised as a member of staff and feel it is a worthwhile place to be.

In terms of learning and development I have had the opportunity to carry out various training programmes.   I have received Prince 2 Project Management Training, HR for Managers Training, Report Writing, Equality Impact Assessing, PDR Objective Setting and Negotiating and Influencing.   I would say that this level of support and development is a huge selling point of working for NPIA, which clearly values the development of its staff very highly.

Having graduated in 1999 with a degree in Psychology, I worked as a stockbroker and recruitment consultant before joining Cambridgeshire Police in 2001 as an Intelligence Analyst.  During the six years I spent in Cambridgeshire I work in a strategic force-wide role, liaising with partner agencies, as well as working in a tactical role on a BCU.  The last three years I held the post of senior analyst, responsible for the management, tasking and development of a team of analysts and researchers.

I enjoy sailing and horse riding when time and finances permit, but my main passion is my caravan (sad I know!) and dragging it round the country blocking up the roads!

The Assisted Implementation portfolio currently comprises of Protective Services, PIP, ANPR, MAPPA, Safer Detention, Business Change and Mental Health.

I support and advise in the development, creation and maintenance of Assisted Implementation products (including strategies, policies, procedures, models and templates.)

I am currently involved in Protective Services and will shortly be supporting and undertaking the peer reviews for ANPR and PIP.

I offer support and guidance to AI projects; the next project I will be working on will be Mental Health.  I will be involved in the creation of the Implementation Support Plan, which is one of the AI products that identify the criteria forces have to achieve to successfully implement their projects.

I am responsible for monitoring and maintaining the Assisted Implementation Learning and Development Strategy.  I have undertaken a consultation exercise with our team members to seek improvement suggestions and put them to the Head of Unit for approval.  As part of this responsibility, I keep the Investors in People Action Plan and AI People Plan's updated with our successes.

I am the Health and Safety Representative for Assisted Implementation, with responsibility for collating our performance data. 

The role involves balancing multiple demands, often within very short timescales.  I work with a wide variety of projects requiring understanding across the portfolio.

I like the opportunity I have to work on a variety of projects and with different people. I get on really well with my team; they are a pleasure to work with.

I work closely with the Senior Product Developer/Implementer and she involves me in as much as possible to aid my development. As the nominated Health and Safety person in the team, I have attended a number of Health and Safety courses and recruitment and selection training.

At the end of October I will be going on a Prince 2 project management course. 

I graduated from Leicester University in June 2006 with a BA in Contemporary History.  I worked as a Recruitment Consultant in London for 12 months before working in HR for the NPIA.  I started my current role in April 2008.

I hope to stay with the NPIA for the foreseeable future and in the long term I am looking for a management role.

Outside of the office I am a huge Leicester Tigers fan, and try to get to as many matches as possible.  I love music, especially live music.  Currently my favourite bands are Bloc Party and Kings of Leon.  I spend a lot of time at the gym and socialising with friends. 

I am the Product Manager for ViSOR, which is a UK-wide system used to store and share information and intelligence on those individuals who have been identified as posing a risk of serious harm to the public.  Key areas of my role are to:

• Act as an interface between the customers and the supplier ensuring that ViSOR continues to meet the evolving needs of the multi-agency user community
• Be responsible for the management of change, ensuring all proposed changes are analysed in terms of requirements specification and impact
• Manage user acceptance testing of new releases for ViSOR and to determine if a release is ready for Live deployment
• Plan, jointly with business leads and supplier, the content and scheduling of each release
• Represent NPIA at the national user group and at other specialist groups
• Monitor product service issues and prioritise problem fixing
• Engage with new agencies/authorities who wish to use ViSOR

ViSOR is a multi-agency system supporting the work of Police, Prisons, Probations and a number of other agencies in the UK.  A key challenge for us understanding the range of business issues, gaining agreement and ensuring that ViSOR is developed in a way that supports all customers.  

I am fairly new to the ViSOR team and I do not have a policing background.  To gain and maintain knowledge of the multi agency business area is a tough challenge.   I joined PITO in 2002 as a Test Analyst and in 2004 I was successful in my application for a Change Manager post.  I worked as a Change Manager for the Vehicle Procedures and Fixed Penalty Office (VP/FPO) Product from 2004 until 2007.  In 2007 I joined the ViSOR team as Product Manager.      

The NPIA provides a flexible work/life balance and since returning from maternity leave I now work 3 days a week.  Planning and organising my work to make sure important issues are dealt with to the standard I expect is important and can be challenging. 

I enjoy the variety in my role as Product Manager for ViSOR.  One minute I can be dealing with a new business issues that impact the use of ViSOR and the next minute I am meeting with new agencies who wish to start using the service.  Every day is different and unpredictable!  I also enjoy engaging with the user community and building good relationships.  My aim to provide a service that promotes trust between us and the customers we serve.  I find it very satisfying to see trusting relationships develop. 

Over the past few years I have seen how our service to customers makes a difference to the work they do.   I have worked on many small and large projects that have improved the way systems support users and this is very rewarding to see.   NPIA has been very committed and supportive to my own personal development, which has helped me to feel confident and happy in my roles.   

I have had excellent training and development opportunities since joining the organisation in 2002.  The organisation sponsored me to undertake a 4/5 year part-time degree course in Business Information Technology, in which I achieved a First Class Honours degree.  I don't think I would have been able to complete the course without the support I received.  I have also attended a wide range of external courses such as ITIL Service Management, ISEB courses in Software Testing and Business Requirements Engineering.  I have also gained the Prince 2 Practitioners qualification.  

For the future I would like to develop my skills and knowledge further as a Product Manager as this role is still fairly new to me and the NPIA.  My main focus at present is to improve the way ViSOR is managed in line with new initiatives that are being brought in across the unit.  TPMU are looking at standardising the tools, processes and procedures in which we manage our products and I'm keen to take this on board as soon as possible.

Prior to having my daughter in 2007, I was a keen fitness enthusiast.  I enjoyed running, the gym and exercises classes.  Now I'm a working mum the majority of my exercise involves running around after my daughter and running to and from the train station each day!

I love to travel to different countries and to explore.  I like to visit places where the culture and traditions are very different to the UK.  Thailand is one of my favourite places.