Department for Transport sharing Career Stories - Chris Thomas, Maritime & Coastguard Agency

For customer service week 2017, we asked 3 people working in the operational delivery profession across the Department for Transport family to tell us their career stories.

Chris Thomas, Deputy Director of Maritime Operations for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) shares his story.

What factors do you consider when making your career choices?

It’s got to be something that’s interesting, challenging and where I feel I’m making a difference to the lives of others. I’ve been very fortunate in my career and although I haven’t planned any of my appointments, I’ve taken every opportunity to develop myself along the ‘career road’, so should a position arise, I’m ready to apply.

What career advice would you give to others in Operational Delivery Profession?

Make use of the operational delivery profession [link to https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-service-operational-delivery-profession] web site, particularly the ‘career mapper’. It’s an excellent tool to consider how to develop in your current role and identify development opportunities in the future. Grasp opportunities and ‘be brave’ in your applications, always set your sights high.

What’s your career history?

I started my public service career in operational delivery in the 1980s working as a front line ambulance man in Bournemouth. It was a great job, exciting but demanding with direct contact with the public in everything I did.

In 2002 I joined the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in a HR role. I then moved back into operational delivery, reaching my current position as Deputy Director of Maritime Operations.

Why are you Proud to be in operational delivery profession?

I’ve spent a tremendous amount of my career working in operational delivery and it’s great to be part of a profession that focuses on what we’re all here for, which is delivering high quality services to our customers.

Are you interested in a career with Maritime and Coastguard Agency? Please click here.

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