Vicki

Tell us a bit about yourself  

Vicki

I live in Essex with my partner and two step children. I have a cat who will be turning 20 in March but I also love dogs, having grown up with them all my life. I enjoy home improvement and DIY projects, recently finishing an extension on the house. I also enjoy Disney and True Crime – very different ends of the spectrum!    

Can you tell us about your role?  

I am head of the Hazardous Sites & Substances Unit within the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO). My unit creates protective security policies for sites handling hazardous materials. We collaborate with the Homeland Security Group (HSG) to secure pathogens and toxins under the Anti-Terrorism Crime & Security Act 2001 (ATCSA). Additionally, we work with HSG regarding public applications for Explosive Precursors & Poisons Licences under the Poisons Act. We provide security advice for UK Environmental Regulators about sites with radiological sources. The unit is also the conduit for communication of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) from the Cabinet Office and Lead Government Departments to the CT network. Moreover, we train Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs) in these areas and arrange training sessions throughout the year. 

What does a typical day look like for you?   

Due to the varied disciplines our unit covers, each day is unique. I switch from focusing on Pathogens & Toxins to Radiological Sources quickly. I handle technical enquiries from CTSAs and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders such as the Home Office, Environmental Regulators, Cabinet Office, and NPSA, with regular scheduled calls.  

I have a small team of 5, including myself, so I also undertake the normal daily tasking and supervision of staff. I advocated for my unit staff to be trained to the same level as CTSAs to help ensure we can provide the best level of support to the network. They are also a huge support to me. 

What has your career path been to this role?  

My career journey has been diverse. In my early years, I worked on The Respect Project, an early intervention programme for 13-14 year olds designed to help Year 9 students struggling in school to re-engage with their education, handle life’s challenges, build mental resilience, self-confidence, and improve their mental wellbeing. This was often a challenging environment but immensely rewarding. Following this, I spent a summer as an Overseas Travel Advisor for TUI in Nerja, Costa del Sol. 

I then transitioned into the public sector and have been working within the Emergency Services for the past 16 years. My tenure at Essex County Fire & Rescue Service (ECFRS) lasted 6 years, where I started in Risk Management & Business Continuity before moving to Special Operations, including a secondment as a 999 call handler, and returning to Special Operations. This experience introduced me to Counter Terrorism Policing and led to my subsequent role as a Counter Terrorism Security Advisor (CTSA) in the Eastern Region. After 6 years as a CTSA, I joined the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO).  

I initially served as a Desk Officer on the Hazardous Sites & Substances (HSS) Unit and assumed the role of Unit Head approximately 18 months ago. 

What has been your proudest achievement?  

In my Special Operations role at ECFRS I was fortunate enough to work with Essex Police and Special Forces on a Fire Service hostage response plan and consequential major exercise. This was a unique and rewarding experience. 

In my current role, delivering and implementing national security requirements for radioactive sources, pathogens and toxins. This has been a challenging piece of work and is significant in protecting hazardous materials in the UK. 

What do you find most rewarding in your job? 

I support the network of CTSAs in their efforts to secure hazardous substances and protect materials from theft and potential misuse in terrorism. I strive to be approachable and available to the network, addressing any questions or concerns they may have. By resolving issues directly or empowering individuals to address challenges independently, I aim to fulfil my responsibilities effectively.