In our series of spotlight interviews, we introduce you to some of our colleagues working across the Parliamentary Digital Service.
Bharti Kara, Head of Productivity and Collaboration, has worked in Parliament for 19 years, and for PDS since it was formed in 2015.
How would you explain your job to a ten-year-old?
I help all the different people who work in Parliament to use digital tools like email, Teams, and Word to do their jobs better and faster. I make sure these tools work really well every day, are safe and secure, and help everyone work together, even if they’re working in different places. I lead a team of tech experts who fix problems, keep things running smoothly, and come up with new ideas. I work with other companies to get the best tools and services for Parliament. I make sure my team feels happy, included, and proud of the work we do.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?
Being right at the heart of digital transformation in Parliament – where tech meets purpose! Every day brings a new challenge, whether it's outsmarting cyber threats, shaping the future of collaboration tools, or turning complex business needs into slick, user-friendly solutions. I get to work with brilliant minds, lead an amazing team, and make sure our platforms are not just secure and reliable, but genuinely empowering. It’s a role that blends strategy, creativity, and people!
What’s your favourite thing about working in Parliament?
The incredible sense of teamwork: being able to contribute behind the scenes alongside passionate individuals who work together to keep everything running smoothly. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds – whether it’s planning for exceptional events or tackling urgent challenges, that shared commitment really unites us. The work is demanding, fast-moving, and often unpredictable, but that’s exactly what makes it so motivating. Some of my most rewarding moments have come from those intense or high-pressured days where we pulled together as a team and made something meaningful happen. It’s that spirit of mutual support and shared drive that makes this place special.
What sort of challenges have you overcome in your role?
One of the trickiest parts of my job is juggling the flow of work into my team while keeping a healthy balance between pushing for innovation and making sure our security stays rock solid – especially in a fast-paced place like Parliament. Sometimes we need to roll out new features quickly to keep things moving, but we always have to keep security front and centre. I’m kind of like the person at the helm, making sure everyone’s heading in the same direction.
Which of PDS’s values resonates most with you and why?
The value that really clicks with me is Curiosity. I love learning new things, asking questions, and finding better ways to do things - it keeps the work interesting and helps me grow. Curiosity encourages us to listen, explore, and improve, which I think is key to doing great work and staying motivated. It’s that mindset of “What if we tried this?” or “How can we make this even better?” that really resonates with how I like to approach challenges.
What inspires you outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m most inspired by the simple joys of life - spending quality time with my family and friends, getting lost in a good book, and taking long walks, especially when the weather is beautiful. Sunny days and peaceful moments outdoors help me recharge and reflect. These experiences not only bring me happiness but also keep me grounded and motivated in everything I do.
What are you excited about outside of work this year?
I’m really looking forward to a trip to North Africa later this year – we’re going to celebrate a milestone birthday for a close family member, so it’s going to be extra special. We’ve been planning it for a while, and it’s shaping up to be a mix of family time, cultural exploring, and a bit of adventure. I’m excited about visiting the markets, trying traditional food, and maybe even doing a bit of desert trekking. It’s not every day you get to celebrate a big occasion in such a unique setting, so I’m really looking forward to making some great memories.
Find out more about working at PDS and our latest vacancies.