Can you share your journey into the data centre industry?
Honestly, if you had asked me back in my late teens about my future career, “data centre” would not have made the list. Yet, here I am, thoroughly enjoying this sector. I stumbled into it quite by accident, like many others have as well.
For years, I navigated the complex landscape between a highly technical, rapidly evolving, and somewhat secretive industry, and the media and policymakers on the outside. I spent seven and a half years at TechUK as an Associate Director. My role was to advocate for the UK data centre sector with the government and other stakeholders.
My efforts were categorised into three primary areas: resisting harmful regulatory developments, easing burdensome compliance requirements, and facilitating effective communication between policymakers, the media, and the industry. This involved spearheading policy dialogues on diverse issues such as cybersecurity and generator emissions, regularly briefing the media, and producing a wide range of thought leadership and regulatory guidance materials. I led significant policy initiatives, such as the Data Centre Climate Change Agreement. I also secured key worker status, protection for construction sites and quarantine exemptions for our staff during COVID-19.
Now, as the Director of Public Policy for Europe at CyrusOne, I bring all my past experiences into a role that perfectly suits this stage in my career. I’ve often said this is my last job—a role I aspired to and one that, perhaps in another industry, I couldn’t have reached in just 12 years. In this industry, policy experts are rare, making me a scarce asset, regardless of being male or female. Throughout my time here, I’ve felt highly valued. I truly believe this is a sector that cherishes its female staff.
If your application is successful, Harlow Council will transfer the grant by BACS. Bank details (account name, number and sort code) will need to be supplied with a summary of accounts.
Funding conditions: If your application is successful, your project must be delivered by 31 December 2026. You will have to return any grant funds if the project is not delivered or the organisation receiving the funding stops operating.
A contract agreement will need to be signed between your organisation and Harlow District Council before any funding is granted.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Grant recipients will be required to provide an end of project report to establish whether the project has met its aims and objectives, as well as to assess the overall impact on participants. Funding for the project is provided on the basis that the Project Evaluation form is returned within the agreed project timescale (no later than 31 January 2027).
Risks and Liabilities: In giving grants the ‘Harlow Council’ will require the supported project organisation or groups to accept all risks and liabilities associated with the activity being supported. This will be a condition of the grant. Copies of relevant documents may need to be provided if the application has been approved.
Data protection statement – how we will use your information
The Council is committed to handling your personal information in line with the data processing principles. The Data Protection Legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) sets the legal framework for how we collect, handle and process personal data and for your rights as a ‘data subject.’
General Data Protection Regulation: Personal data provided by you will be processed in accordance with this protocol. For more details, please see https://www.harlow.gov.uk/privacy-notice
Thank you for taking the time to read these guidance notes. If you have any questions, please get in touch with [email protected].
