Donna shares how she moved from a governance career in policing into Home Office Cyber Security, using her transferable skills to support critical decision-making, embrace emerging technologies and build a rewarding career.
Three years ago, I never imagined I’d be working in Home Office Digital Cyber Security, leading governance and reporting, supporting senior leaders and contributing to national cyber programmes.
My career path and route into tech wasn’t traditional. I spent almost 20 years with Greater Manchester Police in governance roles that offered the stability and flexibility I needed around family life. I enjoyed the work, valued my colleagues and never expected to leave.
As my daughters got older, I started thinking about my own future. Governance had become a real passion, but opportunities to progress were limited. For the first time, I looked beyond what was familiar.
After creating a LinkedIn profile, I quickly realised how transferable my skills were. Within days, a Home Office recruiter contacted me about a role that matched my experience. That one message changed everything. The Home Office recognised the governance expertise I’d built over many years and focused on the value I could bring, not the technical experience I lacked.
That confidence gave me the courage to take a new direction in my career. I applied for the Cyber Governance Manager role and was successful. I have recently been promoted to Cyber Governance & Reporting Lead.
Using transferable skills to support cyber security and drive innovation
One of the most common misconceptions about working in technology is that you need a technical background. My experience shows that isn’t true. The skills I developed throughout my career, including governance, communication, stakeholder management, planning, organisation and leadership, have all been valuable in my role.
Within my current role, I provide oversight, assurance and reporting that supports critical decision-making across the organisation. I help senior leaders to understand cyber risks and priorities, so they have the right information to make informed decisions on how cyber security is managed across the department. I also coordinate governance processes, shape reporting and make sure decisions, risks and actions are captured and followed through.
Every day brings new challenges and new opportunities to develop skills I never imagined having a few years ago. I’ve also been encouraged to explore and get involved in opportunities beyond my core role.
I’ve taken part in Women in Tech initiatives, attended conferences, supported recruitment activities and been involved in our Copilot pilot programme.
Through the pilot, I saw first-hand how AI could support governance activities such as capturing actions, decisions and risks, preparing reports and reducing administrative effort. After recognising the benefits, I helped secure access for the wider Governance and Reporting team so more colleagues could explore new ways of working.
Being part of that journey and helping others benefit from this emerging technology has been one of the highlights of my Home Office career.
It’s never too late to build new skills, grow your career and make a meaningful impact.
If you’re considering a career in technology or cyber, don’t let a lack of technical experience hold you back. The Home Office needs people with a wide range of skills, perspectives and experiences and many of the skills you’ve developed throughout your career may be more transferable than you think.
One of the biggest benefits of joining Home Office Digital is the support available to help you grow. From formal training and mentoring to networking opportunities, there’s a genuine commitment to helping people learn, build confidence and progress their careers.
I joined Digital and Cyber in my mid-forties without a technical background, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It showed me that it’s never too late to take on a new challenge, learn new skills and make a meaningful impact. Sometimes all it takes is the confidence to take that first step.
If you’re ready to grow, contribute, and do work that matters, you’ll find the opportunity here.
