Newvember - New Job!

Welcome to my yearly NaBloPoMo - where I attempt to publish a new blog post every day in November.

This year is likely to be challenging as I've just started a new job. As of last month, I am the Open Standards Lead at Government Digital Service - part of Cabinet Office.

As ever, this blog is personal - and never reflects the views of my employers, past-, present-, or future! I am also now bound by the Civil Service Code which, hopefully, won't cause any issues considering the nonsense I usually publish.

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, I've been working in "mobile" for 15 years. That's a long time in any one industry - so I guess this is my attempt to break out of a huge comfort zone and try something new.

I've long been an admirer of GDS. When I heard about this role, I jumped at the chance to influence how digital standards are managed within Government. Like any large organisation, it has its challenges, but I've been pleasantly surprised by how smoothly the first few weeks have gone. I've got a shiny new security badge, MacBook, and email address. I've inherited a Trello board bursting with ideas, and am working with a smart bunch of people.

So far, the hardest thing is coping with the commute. Sadly "Great" Western Railways have a hard time providing a reliable service and my sub-hour journeys usually end up late. Still, an expensive and overcrowded service is better than... errr... well... Perhaps I'll start working from home more!

Overall, it's good to face a big challenge. A bit daunting - but isn't that what makes a challenge worthwhile?

Onwards!