2 minutes reading time
Here at CDS, we’re incredibly proud of our 170-strong team – after all, they’re the ones who make all the comms magic happen.
That’s why, every month, we’re giving our blog readers the chance to get to know each member of the CDS family, in our employee Q&A series.
Next up in the hot seat, it’s compliance manager, Kirsty Osborne. With just 10 minutes on the clock, let’s go…
1. Sum up your role at CDS in one sentence:
I work across the agency to ensure that CDS delivers the high standards set by our clients, accreditations, and regulatory obligations, in relation to processes, systems, and controls.
2. What’s your favourite thing about your job?
A lot of my role involves projects to support the development and improvement of business processes. I have always enjoyed getting to the bottom of a problem and working as a team to create something better so this, along with the face time I get with everyone I work with, is great.
Additionally, the work I carry out is extremely varied. My principle areas of focus are in business continuity, information security, environment, quality assurance, health and safety, and risk – no one day is ever the same!
3. How did you become the compliance manager?
The earlier part of my career was in operations, where through exponential growth of the company I was working in at the time, I was able to develop a number of qualities in leadership and operational excellence principles and tools.
I realised that my strengths lie in the business improvement and process arena, but I still wanted to develop my leadership skills in creating synergy across teams to align shared company goals. Compliance ticked that box for me, so I side-stepped into a compliance manager position.
4. What drew you towards choosing CDS as an employer?
Initially, I was drawn in by CDS’ brand identity and the clients the company worked with. The sectors we operate in draw a high level of excellence for a compliance professional and I wanted to build upon the experience I already had.
5. Describe the CDS ethos in just three words:
Skillful, distinct, ethical.
6. What’s been your favourite project so far and why?
At the end of last year, CDS introduced a new security and governance system and whilst I wasn’t in the business when it was implemented, I have been a big part in the onboarding process.
The technology is a compliance dream, as it enables cohesiveness in a number of areas – from data and privacy through to our supply chain due diligence.
7. And, which brand would you love to work on a comms project with?
I love Patagonia’s mission for the planet and, like CDS, its ethos is all about making a positive difference, so an opportunity to communicate some of its initiatives and projects would be wonderful.
8. Complete this sentence: For businesses, employing an effective communications strategy means…
I have no idea, I work in compliance… But I know a large bunch of talented people in the wider team that can answer that one!
9. For a bit of fun, if CDS were a variety of biscuit, which would it be and why?
I’m not really a biscuit fan so my knowledge of varieties is limited. However, if I could say one, maybe a pink wafer because they have been around for a while, but they are still fun as they aren’t your average beige biscuit colour.
10. Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to your 10-year-old self, what would it be?
Don’t wait for opportunities to land on your lap, go out and get them.
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