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Navigate the different employee profiles by clicking on the thumbnails below.
Name: Louise
Role: Project Manager
Department: Information Management
Louise has progressed at Dstl from technical team member to project manager. Her specialist field
is defence communications and computer security - a fascinating and vitally important area,
as she explains.
‘I’ve been involved in the delivery of programmes that have made a
real difference to the effectiveness of UK Forces’
Communications technology plays a key role in almost every aspect of armed conflict.
It is imperative that allied Armed Forces can communicate effortlessly with the right
information, at the right place, at the right time, but it’s equally critical that
information doesn’t get into the wrong hands. That’s the focus of my work at Dstl.
Since joining Dstl, I have had exposure to many aspects of science and engineering
including electronics, communications, IT security, information operations and information
systems. In each area, I’ve been involved in blue-sky research, but the great thing
is, it’s not research for its own sake. We work closely with military authorities to
understand the communications problems faced by UK Forces and I’ve been involved in the
delivery of programmes that have made a real difference to their effectiveness - and, indeed,
the security of the country.
Establishing clearer lines of battlefield communication
Obviously I can’t go into detail about individual projects, but one that does stand
out was the research I carried out to investigate the interoperability of military voice
communications and identify deficiencies. I played my part in establishing clearer lines
of communication among the allied ranks - that’s something to be proud of.
It’s good that when you’re working on something so important that you
can call on world-class experts across a number of disciplines, and Dstl has those in abundance.
We also work in partnership with many other organisations including the MOD, other
government departments such as the Home Office, NATO, academia and industry. Improving
the flow of defence information is very much a collaborative effort and there are plenty
of opportunities for secondments, including overseas placements.
The youngest Chartered Engineer in the UK
I have spent time with the Army on trials and a week on board a Royal Navy vessel,
as well as attending MOD training courses and getting to grips with subjects such as health
& safety. With the support of Dstl, I’ve also gained Chartered status of the IEE,
becoming the youngest Chartered Engineer in the UK in 2002. I’m now pursuing a part-time
MBA. I might then start to look at strategic management rather than a tactical role.
That’s the thing about Dstl – there’s a constant stream of opportunities,
but you’ve got to be motivated to seize them. And while you’re guaranteed to be
doing important work that demands commitment and imagination, it’s a surprisingly
relaxed and open environment, where flexible working allows you to pursue your other
interests. In fact, it’s the best of both worlds.
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