Claire S.
Claire S.
Group Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), FirstGroup

Keen to receive questions about

Career development Career tips Our culture Role Why us Work life with us

Top advice

"Never compromise on your professional integrity."

Career path

About Claire S.

Key experience
I had an interest in evolving technology in the 90's
Moving career from a College IT Teacher to a career in Technology in the NHS. Moving from the NHS working in IT /Compliance for 14 years into Network Rail which are two diverse industries and sectors demonstrating the transferability of: - technology/cyber skills - knowledge of compliance and audit (NIST 800-53, ISO27001, Cyber Essentials and CE+) - knowledge of regulatory requirements (GDPR, NIS) - leadership skills
Current position
Lead on strategy for cyber security and compliance to safeguard data.
I hold a group strategic role supporting group businesses maintain effective information security management systems to protect the integrity, confidentiality and availability of their business data and operational data to reduce risks linked to regulatory, financial, reputational, safety, operational impact.
Main motivation
Forming strategy to address complex business risks
Collaborating in a complex enterprise of integrated applications and systems to provide strategy on cyber security maturity, IT resilience, whilst navigating the necessities of data security regulatory compliance requirements to ensure safe, compliant, accessible, available services to employees and customers.
Top advice
Never compromise on your professional integrity.
Your professional reputation is about you and will follow you throughout your career, it's important to protect it. Sometimes you may not agree professionally with business decisions or strategy. You should never let an employer feel like you have to compromise your professional integrity to aid your popularity within the company to secure promotions. It is important to check the values of the company you are seeking employment with and make sure they are a good fit for you. Research how others have rated working for the company you are considering taking a position at. Don't always think about the salary, there is much more to it in order to ensure your success and happiness within a company. Ensure you work for a company who value you and will help you develop your professional career and thrive.
Greatest achievement
Preventing a WannaCry outbreak in a NHS Trust
Working as a Cyber Security Manager advising an IT Team to prevent any outbreak of WannaCry within a NHS Trust and NHS Data Centre, when it crippled other NHS organisations and businesses globally. Successfully preventing any impact to the delivery of NHS services provided by the Trust I was employed by, at the time WannaCry hit, which was the first global cyber attack and first significant UK Cyber attack.

Discussions with Claire S.

Hello Claire, I've had to ask my question in the additional information as it is a little too long for this box :)

Hello, I was hoping to apply for a remote career that is advertised on indeed, however, when I got to the questions, one asked if I was 30mins away from Sheffield? to which I cannot answer yes as I'm in Hull. I'm wondering how I go about this job if it's remote please, which I'm not sure why it asked if I'm close to Sheffield? Many thanks Jade :)

Eligibility advice, Eligibility

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What are, in your opinion, the main advantages of working here?

Why us, Company benefits

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What skills have you gained since you joined?

Career development, Career progression

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Is there a possibility of working flexibly in your role?

Role, Role description

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How is success evaluated in this role?

Role, Role challenges

  • Best discussions & stories
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