Reflecting on her journey, Sharon shares her experiences, insights and the opportunities that have come her way during a successful career at the Home Office.
I am one of those many people you meet who got into tech by accident! Before I joined the Home Office, I had several jobs, mostly in the hospitality industry. With limited work experience and looking for a stable job with a decent wage, I signed up as an agency worker where I initially joined the Home Office as a Data Inputter.
I quickly settled into the role and did well with the work I was given, which led to me becoming a team leader. I found the people and work culture to be supportive, and I was encouraged to apply for a permanent role. Twenty plus years later and having had multiple roles within many different areas of the Home Office, I’m still here and thriving in my role as a Lead Data Architect.
Building new capabilities and winning awards
All the roles I have had during my time at the Home Office have allowed me to learn something new, gain new skills, new qualifications, meet new and interesting people, and every role has opened doors for me to progress into my current position. It’s been an interesting journey to where I am now, and I have been fortunate to work on many exciting projects, both within strategy and the operational space.
I’ve worked on and run national operations, including working with other government departments and agencies in managing deportations of non-compliant foreign national offenders. I have also implemented software that enhanced data analysis capabilities, significantly improving efficiency and effectiveness in investigations. For my contribution in supporting this software roll out I was recognised with two Civil Service awards for Innovation and Championing Change.
In my current role as a Lead Data Architect, I am working on a project that aims to deliver a product that catalogues and documents all Home Office data and information. This will enable better decision-making by providing comprehensive insights on Home Office data and offers advanced features such as metadata scanning, data lineage and data quality assurance. These capabilities help in understanding the data’s origin, its journey through various systems, and its current state and is fundamental in making the Home Office a more data-driven organisation.
A supportive environment with excellent benefits and flexible working patterns
The Home Office is a fantastic place to work. It’s a very supportive environment where you’re given plenty of opportunities to progress your career. You’re able to study while working with a variety of courses available to enhance your skills and qualifications as well as excellent benefits, including a good pension and flexible working patterns.
I am a carer for my daughter and have a Carer’s Passport, which allows me to adjust my work hours or days in the office to be able to work from home more than the required amount. This flexibility allows me to care for my daughter and attend her appointments and treatments without worrying about my job. I truly believe that I wouldn’t have been able to continue working if I were in the private sector.
As a woman in a tech role, I understand the perception that the tech industry is male dominated. However, the Home Office values skills and abilities over gender. I was encouraged to apply for my position as a Lead Data Architect because my skills were recognised, and I believe I have thrived in this role. I am treated equally and have been given the same opportunities as anyone else in a tech position.
