MCA, Ship Standards, Leanne Page

Regulatory Delivery Officer (G7)

Why did you choose the MCA?

I joined the MCA over 15 years ago as a member of the Counter Pollution Branch after leaving university as I was interested in the marine environment. Through my work at the MCA and the range of work I was exposed to, my attention turned from responding when something had gone wrong and trying to minimise the impact of accidents at sea to working ensure the accidents don’t happen in the first place. The range of work available within the MCA, opportunities for progression and the support I received as a working parent has meant that I am still here after all these years.

What is the most exciting part of your job?

Representing the UK government at international meetings and negotiating to ensure that UK policies are reflected in international agreements can be exciting and rewarding. It’s exciting to know that you can potentially impact international agreements and UK law to help protect the safety of ships, people and marine environment.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I really enjoy the fact that I am continually learning and being exposed to new problems that need to be solved through working closely with MCA colleagues or with external stakeholders. One of my favourite things about the job is working with international colleagues and attending meetings of the International Maritime Organisations where new ideas and approaches to maritime regulation are discussed in order to resolve any issues or problems.

What does your average working day look like?

No day is exactly the same as we are able to work flexibly. This means I can start work early and try to do a little work before the school run and then log off for half an half or so in the afternoon to pick up my children from school. I generally work from home 3 days a week and do a mix of hours depending on what is needed and my own personal circumstances; some days can be shorter and others longer. My day usually involves collaborating with MCA colleagues to help develop policy and then working on specific projects to help meet project deadlines. This can include liaising with lawyers and advising on what we need legislation to ‘do’ and drafting guidance for industry to help our stakeholders operate safely.

What is your background and how has this helped you in your current role?

I have a degree in Ocean Sciences and a Masters in Integrated Coastal Management which opened the door to the MCA for me as it enabled me to join the Counter Pollution Team. My education has helped me to better understand some of the scientifically technical aspects of environmental policy areas but it has been my experience and on the job learning that has developed my skills as member of the team able to formulate, develop, negotiate policies. All of what I know about ships and shipping has been learnt whilst working at the MCA so you shouldn’t let a lack of experience in the shipping industry put you off from applying – transferable skills and adaptability are just as important when working in a policy environment.

What kind of projects do you have coming up?

The flexible nature of my role means that I do not necessarily know what projects may be upcoming as my involvement is dependant on the needs of the other Teams within Ship Standards. This is one of the things I enjoy about the role – I can be involved in anything.