Continuing our series of spotlight interviews, where we introduce you to some of our colleagues working across the Parliamentary Digital Service.
Marie is the Cyber Security Team Administrator. She has worked in Parliament for 11 years, and for PDS since it was formed in 2015.
How would you explain your job to a ten-year-old?
I work for the team that helps protect Parliament’s computer systems from people who might try to break into them and cause harm. I’m a bit like an encyclopedia for people who come to us with questions. I either give people the information they need, or I find out for them, or I send them to someone else who can help them. I support the team in lots of different ways.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?
No two days are the same. There’s a wide variety of tasks. I could go from delivering a training session welcoming new joiners to Parliament, to minuting some really varied and interesting meetings, to managing calendars and day-to-day admin.
What’s your favourite thing about working in Parliament?
There are so many interesting things to see and get involved in. Watching the annual State Opening of Parliament is a major highlight for me. I’ve attended three times and it’s something I’d recommend new colleagues add to their to-do list. The Speaker of the House of Commons hosts interesting events which staff can often attend, such as the Christmas Carol Service. And walking through the Palace of Westminster is always special.
What has been your proudest moment at PDS?
I have been involved in four General Elections. In PDS and the wider Parliament, it’s all hands on deck around a General Election and there are different ways to be involved. I’ve volunteered as a buddy to new Members of Parliament, to help them settle in, for three of these. It is really rewarding, and an honour, to help the new MPs embark on their careers in Parliament.
Which of PDS’s values resonates most with you and why?
‘Care’ resonates most with me, as I feel that by caring for each other and supporting each other, and also being allowed to care for ourselves as well, we are fully equipped to explore the remaining values (community, confidence and curiosity).
Do you have any hidden talents or interests?
I am a keen crafter. I do diamond art, rug making, card making and am a particularly keen knitter. I have also dabbled in resin work too.
What are you excited about outside of work this year?
I reached a landmark birthday this year and so have celebrated with a year of travel. I cruised the Norwegian Fjords in May. I toured Europe in the summer through Germany, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Denmark and Sweden. I have just returned from a Christmas Market trip to a few towns and cities in Germany. I will be rounding this off in September next year with a trip to New Orleans, Nashville and Memphis. It will be a year to remember for sure.
Find out more about working at PDS and our latest vacancies.